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 person’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, police said. — Jason Green, Mercury News, 9 July 2026 Her identity is being withheld pending identification and notification of next of kin by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner, police said. — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 7 July 2026 After the next of kin has been notified, the Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office will release the identity of the woman who died. — Mary Ella Hastings july 6, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026 The Ada County Coroner’s Office will release the victim’s name once his next of kin has been notified, the release said. — Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 6 July 2026 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

Rhymes for next of kin

See All Rhymes for next of kin

Browse Nearby Words

nextly
next of kin
next to
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Cite this Entry

“Next of kin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/next%20of%20kin. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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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
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