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.
I assure you this is less about sisterly solidarity or my lingering affection for “Ted Lasso” or even a love of soccer – er, football.
From Salon ● Aug. 7, 2026
Even after things take a turn with the tragic accident, it’s clear that their sisterly bond remains strong.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 24, 2026
"It was incredibly difficult to let her do that for me," she says, "it's a huge act of sisterly love."
From BBC ● Apr. 7, 2025
Whereas “The Homecoming” was noted for its claustrophobic machismo, here it’s the women who dominate the proceedings, vacillating between sisterly tenderness and bitter recriminations.
From New York Times ● Feb. 9, 2024
She had wanted a sisterly smile that said I’ve known you all my life.
From "Aru Shah and the End of Time" by Roshani Chokshi
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.
