kinship

noun

kin·​ship ˈkin-ˌship How to pronounce kinship (audio)
Synonyms of kinshipnext
: the quality or state of being kin : relationship

Examples of kinship in a Sentence

He feels a strong kinship with other survivors of the war. feelings of kinship between the team's players and their fans
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.
Hema listened to jazz music and attended dance concerts, forging intentional connections with Chicago’s modern dance scene — including a decades-long kinship with the Dance Center’s founder, Shirley Mordine. Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026 So that was kind of cool to have, in a way, that Michigan kinship. Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 13 Mar. 2026 The ones who do not have kinship with other trans women. Literary Hub, 12 Mar. 2026 Some recruited others through kinship networks. Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 8 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for kinship

Word History

Etymology

see kin entry 1

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kinship was in 1833

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Kinship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kinship. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

kinship

noun
kin·​ship ˈkin-ˌship How to pronounce kinship (audio)
: the quality or state of being kin : relationship

More from Merriam-Webster on kinship

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster