Kin
/kɪn/
Definitions
One's relatives; family members.
/kɪn/
A person's relatives; family.
She traveled across the country to see her kin.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're at a family reunion! Your 'kin' are all the people you're related to, like your aunts, uncles, and cousins. They're your family.
👶 For kids: Kin means your family, like your mom, dad, brother, sister, grandma, and grandpa!
More Examples
The inheritance was divided among the surviving kin.
He felt a strong bond with his kin.
How It's Used
"He went to visit his kin during the holidays."
"The court awarded the property to his next of kin."
Idioms & expressions
next of kin
The closest living relative or relatives of a person.
"The hospital contacted the patient's next of kin to inform them of his condition."
blood is thicker than water
Family relationships are stronger and more important than other relationships.
"Even though they had disagreements, in the end, blood is thicker than water."
From Old English *cȳnn* ('family, race, kind'), related to *cū̄ne* ('bold, brave').
The word 'kin' has been used since Old English times, originally referring to the entire family or race.
Memory tip
Think of a *kin*dred spirit as part of your *kin*.