nephew

Everyday

1. Your nephew is the son of your brother or sister. tree →
2. Your nephew can also be the son of your husband's or wife's brother or sister. tree →

In the lessons

In family trees in school, a nephew is one generation below you. In everyday life, aunts and uncles have nephews and nieces. Phrases: my nephew, nephews and nieces, great-nephew.

Examples

• My aunt has two nephews: me and my brother. tree →
• Uncle Pat took his nephew fishing. tree →
• My nephew is only three years old. tree →
• She bought presents for all her nephews and nieces. tree →
• If you have 3 sisters and each has 2 sons, you have 6 nephews. tree →
• My mum's sister's son is her nephew and my cousin. tree →
• "My dear nephew," he said, "your story gives me some hope. tree →

Note

Countable noun. The girl version is «niece». Your nephew is your parents' grandson and your own child's cousin. Do not confuse with cousin: your aunt's son is your cousin, but you are your aunt's nephew or niece.

Early Modern English

Meaning

A grandson, or a male descendant; in old texts also a close younger male relative. tree →

Then and now

Today a nephew is the son of your brother or sister; the old sense is wider, though the sentences here mostly use the modern meaning.

Examples

• "My dear nephew," he said, "your story gives me some hope. (The Arabian Nights Entertainments) tree →
• "Your dear little uncle, your very sweet nephew, you call me! (Indian Fairy Tales) tree →
• He was nephew to Arthur, the son of his sister, and his cousin. (Celtic Fairy Tales) tree →

Note

Today: grandson, descendant.