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

His best man was Russ Taufa of Seattle and his attendants were his brother, Jason Lear, and Luke Taufa and Dr. Colin Behl, all of Seattle; Chad Smith of Jersey City, N.J.; Jordon Lewis of Scottsdale, Ariz.; and Kirt Thomas of Little Rock. —Cary Jenkins, arkansasonline.com, 4 Nov. 2024

His younger brother, Travis, plays for the Kansas City Chiefs and is dating Swift. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 3 Nov. 2024

Gascón supported the Menendez brothers’ bid for clemency after nearly 35 years behind bars. —Christian Orozco, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2024

Guests can explore lush sensory gardens, legendary wine caves, and even the Old Winery where the Beringer brothers produced their first vintages. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 2 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