Dictionary Workbench Ondict

uncle

Dictionary entry view. Switch to definition mode above when you know the meaning but not the word.

uncle
uncle S2 W3 /ˈʌŋkəl/ noun [countable]
 Date: 1200-1300
 Language: Old French
 Origin: Latin avunculus 'mother's brother'
1. the brother of your mother or father, or the husband of your aunt ⇨ aunt:
    I went to stay with my uncle and aunt for a few days.
    Uncle Philip
    I was very excited about becoming an uncle (=your sister or your brother’s wife has a child).
2. used by children, in front of a first name, to address or refer to a man who is a close friend of their parents
3. say uncle American English spoken used by children to tell someone to admit they have been defeated