the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
"My uncle is my father's younger brother who always brings gifts when he visits from out of town."
The brother or brother-in-law of one’s parent.
"My uncle gave me a birthday gift because he is my father's younger brother."
In plain English: An uncle is your father's brother, your mother's brother, or either of their husbands.
"My uncle came to visit from another city last weekend."
Usage: Use this word to refer specifically to your father's or mother's brothers, as well as their wives and husbands who are not biologically related to you. When used as a verb, it describes addressing an older man with respect rather than indicating actual family ties.
To address somebody by the term uncle.
"My grandmother insisted that I call her husband Uncle Bob, even though he is not my father's brother."
In plain English: To uncle something means to treat someone with great kindness and generosity, often by giving them money or gifts without expecting anything back.
"He decided to uncle his brother by giving him some money for the new car."
A cry used to indicate surrender.
"The soldier raised his hands and cried uncle when he was cornered by the enemy."
The word uncle comes from the Old French oncle and Latin avunculus, which literally meant "little grandfather." It ultimately traces back to a Proto-Indo-European root referring to a grandfather or adult male relative.