next of kin

American  

noun

1. a person's nearest relative or relatives.

   The newspaper did not publish the names of casualties until the next of kin had been notified.

2. Law. the nearest relative or relatives who share in the estate of a person who dies intestate.

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next of kin British  

noun

1. a person's closest relative or relatives

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Etymology

Origin of next of kin

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

The identities of those killed are being withheld for 24 hours until their next of kin have been informed.

From BBC

From the start, I had to navigate a delicate dual role, as both next of kin and a reporter.

From The Wall Street Journal

The next of kin or the executor of the estate are responsible for securing the tenant’s belongings after they have officially handed over the keys.

From MarketWatch

The identity of the victim has not been released because the County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner is notifying the man’s next of kin, police said.

From Los Angeles Times

Typically, when someone dies, their next of kin or their estate administrator or executor contacts their financial institution and provides the deceased person’s name and Social Security number, along with a death certificate.

From MarketWatch