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.
Chunky Drop Chain Link Earrings, $23 Best sweater gifts A sweater is a great gift idea for any women in your life, including your grandma, sister, or aunt. Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 17 Dec. 2024 Johnstone confirms the bot is still very much obsessed with Cady, who appears to be taking after her aunt by working on robotics. Nick Romano, EW.com, 16 Dec. 2024 Your kindness and attention to my 87-year-old aunt is greatly appreciated. Ticked Off, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Dec. 2024 But John had not wanted to invite his aunt to their very private — and top secret — wedding on Cumberland Island, off the coast of Georgia, earlier that year, on Sept. 21. Liz McNeil, People.com, 14 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near aunt

Cite this Entry

“Aunt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aunt. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on aunt

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!