brother

noun

broth·​er ˈbrə-t͟hər 

plural brothers also brethren ˈbret͟h-rən 

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

: kinsman

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

John, Patsy, and JonBenét’s elder brother Burke all sat with police for extensive questioning. —Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 27 Nov. 2024

In addition to meeting the Queen, Meghan had, by this point, met Harry’s father Charles, brother William and sister-in-law Kate. —Rachel Burchfield, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024

Besides, there’s very little of the brothers’ madness and its impact on Rome that the movie ever bothers to actually show us. —Erik Kain, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

Anyone with information regarding this case or the Skelton brothers' whereabouts should call Michigan State Police at 1-517-636-0689 or NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024

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

Phrases Containing brother

• big brother
• blood brother
• brother-in-law
• brother/sister/comrade in arms
• foster brother/sister
• half brother
• little brother/sister
• soul brother

Kids Definition

brother

noun

broth·​er ˈbrət͟h-ər 

plural brothers also brethren ˈbret͟h- (ə-)rən 

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