great-uncle

noun

great-un·​cle ˈgrāt-ˈəŋ-kəl How to pronounce great-uncle (audio)
: granduncle

Examples of great-uncle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His great-great-uncle Morris Michtom, an immigrant from what is now Belarus, founded what would become the Ideal Toy Corporation with his wife, Rose. — Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026 His great-great-uncle Chic Harley, a halfback, was a three-time All-American for the Buckeyes in 1916, 1917 and 1919. — Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 His father was a former boxer, and his great-uncle Iran Barkley had been a middleweight boxing world champion. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 Aug. 2026 The backstory Iva and Renato are the third generation of Iva’s family to run the business, started by Iva’s great-uncle Zorko and his wife Rita (merging their names to create Zori) back in 1947. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for great-uncle

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of great-uncle was in the 15th century

Rhymes for great-uncle

See All Rhymes for great-uncle

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Great-uncle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/great-uncle. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

great-uncle

noun
: granduncle
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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