aunt

noun

ˈant How to pronounce aunt (audio) ˈänt How to pronounce aunt (audio)
1
: the sister of one's father or mother
2
: the wife of one's uncle or aunt
aunthood
ˈant-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce aunt (audio)
ˈänt-
noun
auntlike
ˈant-ˌlīk How to pronounce aunt (audio)
ˈänt-
adjective
auntly adjective

Examples of aunt in a Sentence

He has three aunts and two uncles. This is my Aunt Mary.
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.
His aunt, Latavia Coleman, was the first WNBA draft pick in the history for the Seminoles’ women’s basketball program in 2000. — Jeff Sentell, AJC.com, 13 July 2026 Darline initially moved in with an aunt and uncle while Lindsey studied at the University of South Carolina. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026 His aunt’s murder made headlines in 2022 — Keyaira Rattray-Brothers, 17, was killed when a revenge-seeking gunman survived an attempt on his life, then went on a four-day shooting spree in December 2022. — Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 12 July 2026 After powerful twin earthquakes devastated parts of Venezuela and destroyed their home in the coastal town of Caraballeda last month, Maria and her brother Damian, 13, were taken in by their aunt, Mercedes Osul. — Osmary Hernández, CNN Money, 11 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for aunt

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old French ante, from Latin amita; akin to Old High German amma mother, nurse, Greek amma nurse

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of aunt was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing aunt

Rhymes for aunt

See All Rhymes for aunt

Browse Nearby Words

Aunjetitz
aunt
auntie
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aunt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aunt. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

aunt

noun
ˈant How to pronounce aunt (audio)
ˈȧnt
1
: the sister of one's father or mother
2
: the wife of one's uncle or aunt

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