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 brother, Caleb, who had been a passenger at the time, was seriously injured. —Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 10 Dec. 2024

Of course Beth has her brother saved in her phone as something profane. —William Earl, Variety, 9 Dec. 2024

In an Instagram Story uploaded later that evening, Elian Soto filmed his unsuspecting brother, who was in a hot tub at the time, as Soto was doused by friends with a liquid that appeared to be alcohol. —Natasha Dye, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024

Perhaps the original sin is Valya’s, given the burning vendetta that has brought her to the Bene Gesserit, but not before losing her beloved brother to a tragedy the family cannot bring itself to forgive. —Scott Tobias, Vulture, 8 Dec. 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