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nephew

[ nef-yoo_or, especially British,_ nev-yoo ]

noun

  1. a son of one's brother or sister.
  2. a son of one's spouse's brother or sister.
  3. an illegitimate son of a clergyman who has vowed celibacy (used as a euphemism).
  4. Obsolete. a direct descendant, especially a grandson.
  5. Obsolete. a remote male descendant, as a grandnephew
    or cousin.

/ ˈnɛf-; ˈnɛvjuː /

noun

  1. a son of one's sister or brother

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Word History and Origins

Origin of nephew1

1250–1300; Middle English neveu < Old French < Latin nepōtem, accusative of nepōs nephew, grandson; akin to Old English nefa, Dutch neef, German Neffe, Old Norse nefi; the pseudo-etymological spelling with ph has influenced pronunciation

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Word History and Origins

Origin of nephew1

C13: from Old French neveu, from Latin nepōs; related to Old English nefa, Old High German nevo relative

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Example Sentences

Anthony Sr. gave nicknames to his nieces and nephews — Chocolate Red, Coco, Peanut Butter, Horchata.

The "fearless" journalism student – who wanted to shed light on the suffering of the Palestinians – was with her mother, two young nephews and another relative.

In a tribute, Mr Pettifer's family described him as a "wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend to so many".

Mr Evans' nephew Mark Jones said: "To lose him to such a cowardly attack has been nothing short of devastating."

Matthew Livelsberger’s uncle, Dean Livelsberger, told the outlet that he was shocked to hear his nephew was involved in the explosion.