brother

noun

broth·​er ˈbrə-t͟hər How to pronounce brother (audio)
plural brothers also brethren ˈbret͟h-rən How to pronounce brother (audio)
ˈbre-t͟hə-rən,
-t͟hərn
1
: a male who has the same parents as another or one parent in common with another
2
: one related to another by common ties or interests
3
: a fellow member
used as a title for ministers in some evangelical denominations
4
: one of a type similar to another
5
a
b
: one who shares with another a common national or racial origin
especially : a Black boy or man : soul brother
6
a
capitalized : a member of a congregation of men not in holy orders and usually in hospital or school work
b
: a member of a men's religious order who is not preparing for or is not ready for holy orders
a lay brother

Examples of brother in a Sentence

We must support our brothers and sisters fighting overseas. the brothers in a monastery
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To make a film, David needed both his brother and Zwerin. Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025 Paul was in Washington, D.C., with his brother Logan and UFC star Conor McGregor. Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 20 Jan. 2025 Emma Corrin Hold Hands with Rami Malek in Soaked Pants During Barefoot Stroll on Beach in Brazil Malek and his brother learned to read situations carefully, to be hyper-conscious of their place or role in a room full of people. Rachel Raposas, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025 The same way that our men and women, our brothers and sisters who protect this country, have to go to war and have to put their life on the line for whoever in office. Ryan Smith, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for brother 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English brōthor; akin to Old High German bruodor brother, Latin frater, Greek phratēr member of the same clan

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of brother was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near brother

Cite this Entry

“Brother.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brother. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

brother

noun
broth·​er ˈbrət͟h-ər How to pronounce brother (audio)
plural brothers also brethren ˈbret͟h- (ə-)rən How to pronounce brother (audio)
ˈbret͟h-ərn
1
: a male who has one or both parents in common with another
2
: a male relative
3
: a fellow member of a group
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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