next of kin

noun phrase

: one or more persons in the nearest degree of relationship to another person

Examples of next of kin in a Sentence

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.
The woman’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Jireh Deng, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2024 The identities of the people killed will by released by the Santa Clara County coroner’s office following confirmation of identity notification of their next of kin. Nollyanne Delacruz, The Mercury News, 28 Oct. 2024 Tarrant County last week adopted a new policy requiring more rigorous attempts to find next of kin. Jon Schuppe, NBC News, 23 Oct. 2024 Graves did not identify the passenger who died as investigators were still working to notify next of kin. Perry Vandell, The Arizona Republic, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for next of kin 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of next of kin was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near next of kin

Cite this Entry

“Next of kin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/next%20of%20kin. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Legal Definition

next of kin

1
: one or more living persons in the nearest degree of relationship to a particular individual
2
: those persons entitled by statute to receive the property in an intestate's estate compare heir
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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