avuncular
Americanadjective
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of or relating to an uncle.
He spoke of his sister's son with avuncular pride.
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acting like an uncle, as in being kind, patient, generous, etc., especially to younger people.
the avuncular, slightly condescending boss of a toy company.
adjective
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of or concerned with an uncle
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resembling an uncle; friendly; helpful
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of avuncular
First recorded in 1825–35; from Latin avuncul(us) “a mother's brother,” equivalent to av(us) “a forefather” + unattested -ont- + unattested -l(os) diminutive suffix ( cf. uncle) + -ar 1
Explanation
Everyone likes an avuncular guy, that is someone who is kind and patient and generally indulgent with people younger than he is. The Dalai Lama is an avuncular fellow. So is Santa Claus. Unless you haven't been good. The word avuncular originally comes from the Latin avunculus, meaning "maternal uncle," and strictly speaking the term describes the relationship between an uncle and his nephew. Uncles, by their very definition, are supposed to be avuncular to their nephews. For many uncles though, Santa Claus is pretty hard to compete with.
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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.
But his avuncular personality endeared him to three conservative colleagues who are now the court’s most senior members.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 28, 2026
Abdul-Aal, a 72-year-old retired high school sociology teacher with an avuncular smile, likened residents’ behavior around Israeli troops to a lazy student hoping they’re not called on in class.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 7, 2026
And Mr. McKellen is mildly avuncular, radiating a stealthy, benevolent attitude.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 22, 2026
Though it counts Jesus among its many visitors over the years, said Khaldoon Hanna, Taybeh’s avuncular deputy mayor, these days “no one is coming.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 6, 2025
“Afternoon, young man,” he said, with an avuncular chuckle, as he passed Shadow.
From "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
