sibling
A sibling is a brother or a sister. It is a general word used to describe people who have the same parents, regardless of their gender.
Examples
3 of 5I have two siblings: an older brother and a younger sister.
I have two siblings: an older brother and a younger sister.
The applicant must provide the names of all their siblings.
The applicant must provide the names of all their siblings.
Do you have any siblings, or are you an only child?
Do you have any siblings, or are you an only child?
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the 'S' for Sister and 'B' for Brother inside the word SiBling.
Quick Quiz
I don't have any brothers or sisters; I have no ______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: siblings
Examples
I have two siblings: an older brother and a younger sister.
everydayI have two siblings: an older brother and a younger sister.
The applicant must provide the names of all their siblings.
formalThe applicant must provide the names of all their siblings.
Do you have any siblings, or are you an only child?
informalDo you have any siblings, or are you an only child?
The study examines the psychological bond between siblings in early childhood.
academicThe study examines the psychological bond between siblings in early childhood.
The family-run business is currently managed by three siblings.
businessThe family-run business is currently managed by three siblings.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
sibling rivalry
sibling rivalry
half-sibling
half-sibling
step-sibling
step-sibling
Often Confused With
'Relative' includes all family members like aunts and cousins, while 'sibling' only refers to brothers and sisters.
Usage Notes
Use 'sibling' when you want to refer to your brothers and sisters as a group, or when you don't want to specify if someone is a brother or a sister.
Common Mistakes
Learners often say 'I have two brothers' to mean one boy and one girl; you should say 'I have two siblings' instead.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'S' for Sister and 'B' for Brother inside the word SiBling.
Word Origin
Derived from Old English 'sib' meaning 'kin' or 'relative' plus the suffix '-ling'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many English-speaking cultures, 'sibling rivalry' is a common term for the competition or jealousy that often exists between brothers and sisters.
Quick Quiz
I don't have any brothers or sisters; I have no ______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: siblings
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
Used as an adjective to describe a person, organization, or...
sisterA sister is a girl or woman who shares the same parents as a...
twinA twin is one of two children born at the same time to the s...
cousinA cousin is the child of your aunt or uncle. It is a family...
relativeA relative is a person who is part of your family. It descri...
More Family words
grandparent
A1A grandparent is the parent of one's father or mother. It is a general term that refers to either a grandfather or a grandmother within a family structure.
grandson
A1A grandson is the son of one's son or daughter. It is a term used to describe a male child in relation to his grandparents.
granddaughter
A1A granddaughter is the daughter of a person's son or daughter. It describes the relationship between a female child and her grandparents.
grandchild
A1A grandchild is the child of one's son or daughter. It represents the second generation of descendants after one's own children.
uncle
A1An uncle is the brother of one's father or mother, or the husband of one's aunt. It is a term used to describe a specific male relative within a family structure.
niece
A1A niece is the daughter of your brother or sister. It also refers to the daughter of your husband's or wife's brother or sister.
descendant
A1A descendant is a person who comes from a specific ancestor or family line. It refers to someone who is the child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of a person from the past.
wedding
A1A wedding is a formal ceremony where two people are legally joined in marriage. It usually includes a party called a reception for family and friends to celebrate the new couple.
divorced
A1A status describing a person who was previously married but has legally ended their marriage. It is the state of being no longer joined to a spouse by law.
spouse
A1A spouse is a person someone is married to. It is a general word that can mean either a husband or a wife regardless of gender.
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