brother
noun
broth·er ˈbrə-t͟hər 
plural brothers also brethren ˈbret͟h-rən
ˈbre-t͟hə-rən,
-t͟hərn
1
: a male who has the same parents as another or one parent in common with another
2
: one related to another by common ties or interests
3
: a fellow member —used as a title for ministers in some evangelical denominations
4
: one of a type similar to another
5
a
: kinsman
b
: one who shares with another a common national or racial origin
especially : a Black boy or man : soul brother
6
a
capitalized : a member of a congregation of men not in holy orders and usually in hospital or school work
b
: a member of a men's religious order who is not preparing for or is not ready for holy orders
a lay brother
Example Sentences
We must support our brothers and sisters fighting overseas. the brothers in a monastery
Recent Examples on the Web David Whelan said the family hasn't heard anything about Richardson's efforts to negotiate on his brother's behalf. 
Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 16 Sep. 2022 In going through his mother's belongings, Cooper also had to go through his father's and brother's, which had been in storage since their deaths. Megan Marcus, CNN, 14 Sep. 2022 Tamara Powell shared a second post about an hour later, which confirmed her brother's age at the time of his death. Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 14 Sep. 2022 On Tuesday night, Jesse's sisters — recording artists Trina Powell and Tamara Powell — both shared a message on social media announcing their older brother's death. Tommy Mcardle, Peoplemag, 14 Sep. 2022 Abston's charges were unrelated to his brother's alleged kidnapping and murder of Eliza Fletcher, according to authorities. Fox News, 8 Sep. 2022 Jane, who is John's legal guardian, put herself forward as the plaintiff in the suit both individual and on her brother's behalf. Daniel Arkin, NBC News, 5 Sep. 2022 Matt Smith's Daemon Targaryen is determined to solve the problem on the Stepstones without his brother's help. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 5 Sep. 2022 While developing her talent as a poet, Emily falls in love with her best friend, who just so happens to be her brother's fiancée. Amy Mackelden, ELLE, 1 Sep. 2022 See More
Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 16 Sep. 2022 In going through his mother's belongings, Cooper also had to go through his father's and brother's, which had been in storage since their deaths. Megan Marcus, CNN, 14 Sep. 2022 Tamara Powell shared a second post about an hour later, which confirmed her brother's age at the time of his death. Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 14 Sep. 2022 On Tuesday night, Jesse's sisters — recording artists Trina Powell and Tamara Powell — both shared a message on social media announcing their older brother's death. Tommy Mcardle, Peoplemag, 14 Sep. 2022 Abston's charges were unrelated to his brother's alleged kidnapping and murder of Eliza Fletcher, according to authorities. Fox News, 8 Sep. 2022 Jane, who is John's legal guardian, put herself forward as the plaintiff in the suit both individual and on her brother's behalf. Daniel Arkin, NBC News, 5 Sep. 2022 Matt Smith's Daemon Targaryen is determined to solve the problem on the Stepstones without his brother's help. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 5 Sep. 2022 While developing her talent as a poet, Emily falls in love with her best friend, who just so happens to be her brother's fiancée. Amy Mackelden, ELLE, 1 Sep. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Old English brōthor; akin to Old High German bruodor brother, Latin frater, Greek phratēr member of the same clan
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing brother
Kids Definition
brother
noun
broth·er ˈbrə-t͟hər
plural brothers also brethren
ˈbret͟h-rən
1
: a male person or animal related to another person or animal by having one or both parents in common
2
: a fellow member of an organization
brother
noun
1
as in sister
a male connected with another person by a common parent When was the last time you called your brother? Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- sister
- cousin
- sibling
- family
- relative
- stepbrother
- stepsister
- kinsman
- house
- kinswoman
- relation
- in-law
- tribe
- race
- people
- kindred
- clan
- kinfolks
- folk
- kinfolk
- kinsfolk
- blood
- lineage
- kissing cousin
- stock
- line
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- nonrelative
2
as in monk
a member of a religious community of men He was loved and respected among his brothers at the monastery. Synonyms & Similar Words
- monk
- father
- bishop
- preacher
- friar
- nun
- reverend
- deacon
- minister
- abbot
- cleric
- archbishop
- dean
- clergyman
- monastic
- pope
- clerical
- divine
- mendicant
- pastor
- dominie
- prelate
- clerk
- presbyter
- ecclesiastic
- rector
- churchman
- padre
- oblate
- high priest
- archpriest
- vicar
- missionary
- monsignor
- parson
- confessor
- abbé
- diocesan
- clergyperson
- chaplain
- curé
- shepherd
- curate
- evangelist
- religious
- revivalist
- Holy Joe
- sky pilot
- mother superior
- missioner
- novice
- priestess
- abbess
- missionizer
- prioress
- high priestess
- anchoress
- deaconess
- votary
- conventual
- ancress
- Reverend Mother
- cloistress
- clergywoman
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- lay reader
- layman
- lector
- secular
- layperson
3
as in friend
a man with whom one feels a sense of solidarity As veterans, we support our brothers and sisters in the military. Synonyms & Similar Words
- friend
- sister
- comrade
- partner
- buddy
- fellow
- colleague
- pal
- acquaintance
- confidant
- compadre
- chum
- confidante
- associate
- amigo
- peer
- intimate
- musketeer
- alter ego
- familiar
- crony
- accomplice
- companion
- ally
- cohort
- hearty
- collaborator
- mate
- blood brother
- confederate
- benefactor
- sport
- hobnobber
- pen pal
- main man
- supporter
- sympathizer
- abettor
- abetter
- friendly
- well-wisher
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- competitor
- adversary
- opponent
- rival
- enemy
- antagonist
- nemesis
- foe
- archenemy