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 names of the those who died were being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

From Los Angeles Times

Formal identification of the man who died has not yet taken place and the police said efforts were ongoing to trace his next of kin.

From BBC

But while she was delighted when the opt-out system was introduced, she didn't realise the "fatal flaw" of next of kin being able to rescind their loved one's wishes.

From BBC

The name of the victim is being withheld until her next of kin has been informed.

From BBC

The two other individuals who died were men, ages 30 and 55; their identities will be released once their next of kin has been notified.

From Los Angeles Times