Oncle (en. Uncle)

/ɔ̃kl/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

A man who is the brother of the mother or father.

My uncle is coming to visit us this weekend.

Mon oncle vient nous rendre visite ce week-end.

A man related to a relative by marriage.

My wife's uncle is very friendly.

L'oncle de ma femme est très sympathique.

An older man often associated with mentoring roles in the family.

I have always admired my uncle's experience in business.

J'ai toujours admiré l'expérience de mon oncle dans les affaires.

From the Latin 'avunculus', meaning 'little uncle'.

Uncle Sam

Personification of the United States, often used in propaganda.

oncle Sam

a benevolent uncle

An uncle who is concerned and takes care of his nephews and nieces.

un oncle bienveillant

Uncle Flinger

Colloquial expression referring to an uncle with an eccentric or impulsive character.

tonton flingueur

aunt

The sister of the mother or father.

tante

cousin

The child of an uncle or aunt.

cousin

nephew

The son of a sister or brother.

neveu

Uncle as a term of affection.

Look at that old guy in the photo, he's my uncle!

Regarde ce vieux sur la photo, c'est mon oncle !

Used to refer to a man in general in certain contexts.

That uncle really has style.

Cet oncle a vraiment du style.