A1 noun Neutral #3,826 most common

cousin

/ˈkʌz.ən/

A cousin is the child of your aunt or uncle. It is a family member who shares the same grandparents as you but has different parents.

Examples

3 of 5
1

My cousin and I like to play football in the park.

My cousin and I like to play football in the park.

2

The estate was divided equally among the deceased's cousins.

The estate was divided equally among the deceased's cousins.

3

Yo cousin, are you coming to the party tonight?

Hey relative, are you coming to the party tonight?

Word Family

Noun
cousin
Adjective
cousinly
Related
cousinhood
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Memory Tip

Think of the 'C' in 'Cousin' standing for 'Connection'—they are a connection to your extended family circle.

Quick Quiz

My uncle has a son; he is my ______.

Correct!

The correct answer is: cousin

Examples

1

My cousin and I like to play football in the park.

everyday

My cousin and I like to play football in the park.

2

The estate was divided equally among the deceased's cousins.

formal

The estate was divided equally among the deceased's cousins.

3

Yo cousin, are you coming to the party tonight?

informal

Hey relative, are you coming to the party tonight?

4

Sociological data suggests that cousins often maintain strong bonds in migratory families.

academic

Sociological data suggests that cousins often maintain strong bonds in migratory families.

5

I am starting a new business venture with my first cousin.

business

I am starting a new business venture with my first cousin.

Word Family

Noun
cousin
Adjective
cousinly
Related
cousinhood

Common Collocations

first cousin the child of your aunt or uncle
distant cousin a relative not closely related
close cousin a cousin you see often
male cousin a boy or man who is your cousin
female cousin a girl or woman who is your cousin

Common Phrases

kissing cousins

two things that are very similar to each other

second cousin

the child of your parent's first cousin

country cousin

a relative from a rural area who is unfamiliar with city ways

Often Confused With

cousin vs nephew/niece

A nephew or niece is the child of your sibling, whereas a cousin is the child of your parent's sibling.

📝

Usage Notes

In English, 'cousin' does not change based on gender. It can refer to either a male or a female relative.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often try to say 'cousin brother' or 'cousin sister' to specify gender, but in English, you should just use 'cousin' or say 'my male cousin'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'C' in 'Cousin' standing for 'Connection'—they are a connection to your extended family circle.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old French word 'cosin', which comes from the Latin 'consobrinus' meaning 'mother's sister's child'.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Plural form: cousins Gender-neutral noun
🌍

Cultural Context

In many English-speaking cultures, 'cousin' almost always refers to a biological relative, though in some communities, it is used for very close friends.

Quick Quiz

My uncle has a son; he is my ______.

Correct!

The correct answer is: cousin

More Family words

father

A1

A father is a male parent of a child. This term describes both the biological relationship and the social role of a man who raises and cares for his children.

dad

A1

An informal and affectionate name for a father, used primarily by children or within a family context. It refers to a male parent who provides care and support for his offspring.

mother

A1

A female parent who has given birth to or raised a child. It is also used more broadly to describe a woman who provides care, protection, and support to another person.

son

A1

A male child or man in relation to his parents. It is a fundamental kinship term used to describe a direct male descendant in a family.

child

A1

A young human being below the age of puberty or the legal age of majority. It can also refer to a son or daughter of any age in relation to their parents.

sister

A1

A sister is a girl or woman who shares the same parents as another person. It can also refer to a woman who shares one parent or someone who is very close like a family member.

twin

A1

A twin is one of two children born at the same time to the same mother. It can also refer to one of two things that are exactly the same or very similar.

baby

A1

A baby is a very young human being, typically from birth until they start to walk. It is a general term for an infant who requires complete care and attention from adults.

toddler

A1

A young child who is just beginning to walk, typically between the ages of one and three. This term describes the developmental stage between infancy and the start of preschool.

adult

A1

A person who is fully grown and developed, typically someone who is 18 years of age or older. It is used to distinguish a mature individual from a child or a teenager.

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