What does sibling mean?
A sibling is a brother or sister of another person, usually someone who shares at least one parent. The term is especially useful when gender is irrelevant or when several brothers and sisters are being discussed together. People often speak about an “older sibling” or a “younger sibling,” and the relationship may involve cooperation, companionship, rivalry, or a mixture of these. In more formal writing, “sibling” can also mean a member of the same family more broadly, although it most commonly denotes a brother or sister. Its principal advantage over “brother” and “sister” is that it is gender-neutral, making it useful in education, research, family services, and inclusive communication. The word is also widely used in phrases such as “sibling rivalry” to describe competition or conflict between brothers or sisters.
nounA brother or sister, especially a person with the same parents as another person. It may also refer more broadly to any member of the same family.
- A brother or sister, especially one who shares the same parents as another person.
- More broadly, a member of the same family.
"Her younger sibling helped her prepare for the exam."
"The two siblings grew up in the same small town."
"The study examined how family relationships, including those between siblings, affect childhood development."
Used when referring to more than one brother or sister, either collectively or as separate individuals.
"The siblings divided the work between them."
Unlike “brother” and “sister,” “sibling” is a gender-neutral word for a person who shares at least one parent with another person.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sibling come from?
The modern word developed through Middle English forms related to Old English sweostor and swuster. These forms continue Proto-Germanic *swestēr, which is widely connected with a Proto-Indo-European word for “sister.” The modern spelling and pronunciation of “sibling” reflect later changes and influence within English, while “sister” preserves a closely related form from the same ancient family.
Related word forms
How sibling is actually used
“Sibling” is widely used in formal and informal contexts when the speaker does not wish to specify a sibling's gender or when referring to siblings collectively. It can also be used inclusively for half-siblings.