uncle

Pluraluncles

Formsuncles, uncling, uncled

1. 1
   parent's brothernouncountable

   The brother or brother-in-law of your mother or father, or sometimes a male cousin of one of your parents.

   My uncle takes me fishing every summer.

   Both of my uncles live in the same town.

   UsageUse a capital when Uncle is part of the name: Uncle Jim, but my uncle Jim.

   Note
2. 2
   friendly titlenouncountable

   What you call a man who is not really your uncle, like a family friend or your parent's partner.

   We call Mom's best friend Uncle Joe, even though he isn't family.

   Mom's boyfriend is really nice, and I've started calling him Uncle Leo.

   UsageSay Uncle before his first name.

   Note
3. 3
   I give upinterjectioncolloquialUS

   A word you shout to give up or admit you have lost.

   Like calling out "I give up!" in a wrestling match.

   Pinned to the floor, he finally yelled, "Uncle!"

   She twisted his arm until he cried uncle.

   UsageOften say uncle: give up.

   Similarmercy

   Note
4. 4
   nouncolloquialBruneiMalaysiaMyanmarSingaporecountable

   Any older man, used in a friendly way even when you do not know him.

   Move aside, uncle, you're blocking the door.

   Some uncle on the bus told me to give up my seat.

   UsageSay uncle to an older man to be polite.

   Similarmister, sir, pops

   Note

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