Definition

1. Noun:
   • A male relative: The brother of one's father or mother, or the husband of one's aunt.
   • A kindly older man: A friendly or helpful older man, often used as a term of respect or affection.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • My uncle is visiting us this weekend. (This refers to a specific male relative, such as a parent's brother.)
  • He was like an uncle to me, always offering guidance. (This uses "uncle" figuratively to describe a supportive, non-biological relationship.)

Advanced Usage

• "Uncle Sam": A personification of the United States government or its people.
  • The poster featured Uncle Sam pointing, saying "I Want You."
• "To say/cry uncle" (informal): To admit defeat or surrender.
  • He refused to say uncle, even after losing the third round.
• "To talk like a Dutch uncle": To give firm, serious, and often critical advice in a kindly manner.
  • My boss talked to me like a Dutch uncle about my punctuality.

Variants and Related Words

• Unclehood (n, rare): The state of being an uncle.
• Uncle-in-law (n): The husband of one's aunt, or the uncle of one's spouse.

Synonyms

• Relative: A person connected by blood or marriage.
• Kinsman: A male relative.
• Mentor: An experienced advisor (for the figurative sense).

Related Phrases

• "Bob's your uncle" (British, informal): Used to indicate that something will be easily accomplished.
  • Just add water, heat it up, and Bob's your uncle—dinner is ready.

Related Idioms

• "Uncle Tom" (often derogatory): A term for a Black person perceived as overly subservient to white authority. (Note: This idiom originates from a literary character and carries significant historical and cultural weight.)
• "Uncle Sugar" (informal, US): A sarcastic personification of the federal government as a source of handouts.

Noun

1. a source of help and advice and encouragement
   • he played uncle to lonely students
2. the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt