What does nephew mean?
A nephew is a boy or man who is the son of someone's brother or sister. In ordinary family conversation, the word identifies a male relative one generation below oneself, especially within a sibling's family. It can also be used in more formal or specialized contexts to describe a younger male relative more generally, though this broader meaning is uncommon in modern everyday English. The term is commonly paired with “niece,” particularly when referring collectively to the children of siblings. “Nephew” also has legal and historical uses connected with family descent, inheritance, and religious relationships. As a family word, it is straightforward and familiar, while its legal and religious senses can sometimes sound formal or carry special contextual implications. A useful related expression is “favorite nephew,” which often conveys affection and personal preference.
nounA male child of one's brother or sister. The term may also refer more broadly to a male relative in the next generation, especially in some legal and religious contexts.
- A son of one's brother or sister.
- In some legal, religious, or historical contexts, a male descendant of a collateral relative.
"Her nephew was visiting from university, and they spent the afternoon playing chess."
"I bought a present for my nephew's birthday."
"The will made provisions for the deceased's nephew and nieces."
The plural is formed by adding -s.
"The brothers visited their nephews over the summer."
A nephew is a family connection defined by a generation gap, but also by a side branch of the family tree.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nephew come from?
The modern English word developed through Old French neveu, from Latin nepos, meaning “grandson” or “nephew.” Latin nepos could refer to a sibling's child and, in more extended usage, to a descendant. The same Latin root underlies English words such as nepotism and nepotist, in which the sense of favor shown to relatives is central.
How nephew is actually used
In everyday use, nephew is normally used for the son of a sibling. The broader descendant sense is uncommon today but appears in legal, religious, and historical language.
Easily confused with nephew
A nephew is a male child of one's brother or sister, whereas a niece is a female child of one's brother or sister.