brother
noun (countable)
UK/ˈbrʌð.ər/US/ˈbrʌð.ɚ/
a male who shares one or both parents with another person; also used figuratively to refer to close male friends or associates in certain contexts
Example Sentences
My older brother taught me how to ride a bike when I was five years old.
She has two brothers, both of whom are away at university.
John’s brother visits from out of town every summer.
His younger brother just started high school this year.
I consider him like a brother, even though we aren’t related by blood.
Growing up, my brother and I would often play video games together on the weekends.
Because they share the same passions for music and art, he and his best friend sometimes joke that they are brothers separated at birth, highlighting their extraordinary bond despite having different families.
Although siblings can have disagreements, the relationship between a brother and sister can become a strong source of support and companionship throughout their lives, helping them weather challenges and celebrate triumphs together.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A male sibling, connected by birth, adoption, or strong familial tiesYou typically use “brother” to refer to a male sibling, whether biological, adopted, or sometimes even considered ‘like family’ through a close friendship. In everyday contexts, you might say, “My brother and I grew up in the same neighborhood,” or “He’s my older brother.” In more casual group settings, people occasionally use “brother” to address a close male friend, signaling camaraderie—“Hey, brother, how’s it going?” Beyond literal family relations, the term can also show solidarity or unity in organizations, such as fraternities, labor unions, or religious communities (e.g., “Brother John in the monastery”). Grammar-wise, “brother” behaves like any standard noun, taking regular plural form “brothers.” If you need to clarify age or birth order, terms like “older brother,” “younger brother,” or “little brother” are common. This straightforward usage keeps conversation clear, whether you’re describing your family or showing a close bond with a friend or colleague.
Alternatives
If you’d like to avoid repeating “brother,” you can swap in synonyms or related phrases depending on your context. For literal sibling references, “male sibling” works in a more formal or generic sense, although it’s less common in casual speech. If you mean someone who feels like family but isn’t related by blood or adoption, “brother figure” captures the sense of mentorship or guidance, whereas “bro” or “buddy” might fit an informal, friendly environment. In religious or fraternal groups, “brother in arms,” “fellow member,” or “comrade” can highlight unity and shared purpose. If you’re aiming for a more literary or poetic angle, you might say “kinsman” (though that tends to be archaic or used for extended relations). Each choice modifies tone—“male sibling” is straightforward, “buddy” is lighthearted, and “brother figure” acknowledges a close but not necessarily blood-based bond.
Writing
In formal or academic writing, “brother” appears most often in genealogical contexts, anthropological studies, or when describing family structures. You might write, “He had three brothers, each pursuing different vocations,” or “The researcher interviewed brothers in various households to assess sibling influence on behavior.” If the text focuses on social or cultural aspects—such as fraternity life, monastic orders, or community dynamics—clarify why the brotherhood matters: “Within this religious order, each member is referred to as ‘Brother’ to emphasize unity.” Be sure the intended meaning is unambiguous: are you talking about a literal sibling or a symbolic, organizational brother? If you’re analyzing literature where “brother” carries metaphorical weight, outline the significance—like representing loyalty, betrayal, or themes of kinship. Vary your sentence structure or use synonyms occasionally to keep the prose engaging. Balancing direct references to “brother” with clarifying details—like shared upbringing or organizational ties—helps make your writing both precise and context-rich.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “brother” usually denotes a literal male sibling: “My brother’s coming to town next week,” or “I grew up with two brothers, so our house was always loud.” People also use it loosely when talking to friends—“Hey, brother, can you help me out?”—especially if they feel a strong camaraderie. Slang variations like “bro,” “bruh,” or “broski” pop up frequently in informal circles or among younger speakers, signaling friendship or solidarity. If you’re chatting about extended family or half-siblings, it’s common to clarify: “He’s my half-brother,” or “He’s my step-brother,” to specify a different parental arrangement. At social gatherings, “brother” can also reinforce a friendly vibe: “What’s up, brother?” to greet someone warmly, even if you aren’t actually siblings. Keep in mind that while “brother” in a friendly sense can express closeness, it might feel overly familiar if you don’t already have that rapport with the person. Generally, though, “brother” in casual contexts seamlessly communicates either familial ties or a relaxed bond among peers, depending on how well you know each other and the local slang norms.
Etymology
The English word “brother” originates from Old English “brōþor,” with close linguistic cousins across Germanic languages (e.g., Old High German “bruoder,” Old Norse “bróðir”). These, in turn, trace back to the Proto-Germanic root “*broþēr,” ultimately stemming from the Proto-Indo-European “*bʰréh₂ter,” meaning “brother.” Over centuries, the term retained its core meaning of male sibling, symbolizing a direct family bond or a socially recognized relationship. Medieval and religious contexts further expanded the notion of brotherhood, turning it into a spiritual or communal concept—like monks calling each other “brother.” Modern English has embraced “brother” in a variety of social, cultural, and even commercial (like fraternities or labor unions) connotations, always tying back to notions of unity, solidarity, or shared origins. Despite linguistic evolution, “brother” remains one of the most recognizable kinship terms, bridging the literal sense of immediate family with broader symbolic ties.