sisterly
Americanadjective
adverb
adjective
Usage
What does sisterly mean? Sisterly is an adjective that most commonly means like a sister. It’s especially used in a positive way to describe someone as being loyal, supportive, and protective—like a good sister who loves and cares about you. Describing someone as sisterly sometimes implies that they’re like an older sister who can give good advice. Sisterly is most often used to describe sisters themselves and the sisterly things they do, but it can be applied to someone who’s not a sister, as in I don’t have a sister, but I always rely on Jane for sisterly support. Sisterly can also be used as an adverb meaning in the manner of a sister. Sisterly is one of many similar terms based on family relations, including brotherly, motherly, fatherly, grandmotherly, and grandfatherly. Example: I’m lucky that my sisters and I have always shared a sisterly affection—we all support each other.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of sisterly
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.
Could there be a place, somewhere in this vast Earth, where Joan and Jean don’t have to sacrifice their codependent sisterly bond to enjoy life’s pleasures?
From Salon ● Sep. 28, 2026
Could there be a place where Joan and Jean don’t have to sacrifice their codependent sisterly bond to enjoy life’s pleasures?
From Salon ● Sep. 28, 2026
The real attraction here is the sisterly camaraderie, the wacky family traditions like “midnight margaritas,” and the cuddly allure of all things feminine.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026
They rewarded fans with a high-voltage set, full of delirious hooks and crisp choreography, while highlighting their sisterly bond.
From BBC ● Aug. 15, 2025
Miss Bennet’s astonishment was soon lessened by the strong sisterly partiality which made any admiration of Elizabeth appear perfectly natural; and all surprise was shortly lost in other feelings.
From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
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.
