First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
uncle
noun un·cle \ˈəŋ-kəl\
: the brother of your father or mother or the husband of your aunt
—used as a word that you say when you are being hurt in a fight to show that you admit being defeated and do not want to continue fighting
Full Definition of UNCLE
1
a : the brother of one's father or mother b : the husband of one's aunt
2
: one who helps, advises, or encourages
3
—used as a cry of surrender <was forced to cry uncle>
4
capitalized : uncle sam
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Origin of UNCLE
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin avunculus mother's brother; akin to Old English ēam uncle, Welsh ewythr, Latin avus grandfather
Rhymes with UNCLE
UNCLE Defined for Kids
uncle
noun un·cle \ˈəŋ-kəl\
Definition of UNCLE for Kids
1
: the brother of a person's father or mother
2
: the husband of a person's aunt
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