next of kin
Americannoun
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a person's nearest relative or relatives.
The newspaper did not publish the names of casualties until the next of kin had been notified.
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Law. the nearest relative or relatives who share in the estate of a person who dies intestate.
noun
Etymology
Origin of next of kin
First recorded in 1760–70
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The force said inquiries to identify the pedestrian and next of kin were underway.
From BBC ● Jul. 29, 2026
Even if you are his legal next of kin, it does not obligate you to administer his estate or arrange the funeral.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 17, 2026
Police said nobody else was on board at the time, and her next of kin had been informed.
From BBC ● Jun. 26, 2026
Only “appropriate authorities” can confirm a fatality after coordinating with the communications office and notifying the decedent’s next of kin, the Post reported, citing the memo.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 25, 2026
The letter explains that the organization is trying to deliver items to next of kin of dead soldiers whose names have been lost.
From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
