How Do You Spell UNCLE?

Pronunciation: [ˈʌŋkə͡l] (IPA)

The word "uncle" is spelled with five letters and two syllables. The first syllable, "un", is pronounced with the schwa sound [ʌ], which is the most common vowel sound in English. The second syllable, "cle", is pronounced with the vowel sound [kl], followed by the consonant sound [l]. The phonetic transcription of the word "uncle" is /ˈʌŋ.kəl/. It is important to spell this word correctly, as it is a common term used for a paternal or maternal relative in most cultures.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
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UNCLE Meaning and Definition

  1. Uncle, noun:

    1. A brother of one's mother or father or the husband of one's aunt; a male relative who is one generation above a person's own generation.

    Example: John's father's brother is his uncle.

    2. In a broader sense, a term used to refer to the brother of one's aunt or uncle, or the brother of one's parent's spouse.

    Example: Mary's mother's sister's husband is her uncle.

    3. In some cultures, an honorary term used to respectfully address an older or influential male figure, even if not a biological relative.

    Example: In Chinese culture, it is customary to refer to an older male friend or acquaintance as "uncle" out of respect.

    4. A term used to refer to an older male friend or acquaintance one feels close to, like a family member.

    Example: Mark has known his childhood friend George for so long that they consider each other like brothers and often refer to each other as "uncle."

    5. Informally, a slang term used to address an older or middle-aged man, often with a friendly or affectionate connotation.

    Example: The kids in the neighborhood affectionately called Mr. Peterson "Uncle Pete" due to his friendly nature and willingness to help them.

    In various contexts and cultures, the term "uncle" can denote a biological or honorary relationship, demonstrating the diversity in its usage and its significance as a respectful or affectionate address for an older male figure.

  2. The brother of one's father or mother.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for UNCLE *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for UNCLE

Etymology of UNCLE

The word uncle comes from the Middle English word unkenel which was derived from the Old French word oncle and the Latin word avunculus. Avunculus specifically referred to a mother’s brother or a maternal uncle, and it is believed to be derived from the Latin word avus meaning grandfather. The word oncle gradually replaced the Old English term eam for mother's brother in the Middle Ages, and eventually unkenel evolved into the modern English word uncle.

Idioms with the word UNCLE

  • Bob's your uncle! The idiom "Bob's your uncle!" means that something is simple or easily achievable. It is often used to express that a desired outcome or solution will be quickly and effortlessly obtained.
  • bob’s your uncle The idiom "bob's your uncle" is used to express that something can be easily and quickly achieved without any difficulties or complications. It implies that once a certain action or step is taken, success or completion of a task is guaranteed.
  • (well) I'll be a monkey's uncle The definition for the idiom "(well) I'll be a monkey's uncle" is an expression of surprise or disbelief when something unexpected or unlikely happens or is revealed. It is often used humorously to convey astonishment or incredulity.
  • holler uncle The idiom "holler uncle" means to surrender, admit defeat, or give up. It is often used when someone is in a challenging or difficult situation and can no longer handle or tolerate it. It implies that the person is acknowledging their inability to continue or overcome the difficulty and is therefore asking for mercy or submitting to the opposing party.
  • cry/say uncle The idiom "cry/say uncle" is used to express a surrender or admission of defeat after experiencing pressure, pain, or a difficult situation. It implies that the person who says or cries "uncle" is giving up or yielding.
  • an Uncle Tom The idiom "an Uncle Tom" refers to a person, typically of a marginalized racial or ethnic group, who is perceived as being subservient or overly accommodating to the dominant group's wishes and interests. It often suggests that the person has betrayed their own community, values, or principles in order to gain favor or acceptance from those in power. The term originates from the fictional character Uncle Tom in Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin," who is depicted as a slave who is excessively submissive to white slave owners. Today, the term is often used to criticize individuals who prioritize the concerns and well-being of the dominant group over the needs and struggles of their own marginalized community.
  • uncle Tom Cobley and all The idiom "uncle Tom Cobley and all" is often used to refer to a large or diverse group of people. It originated from a traditional English folk song called "Widecombe Fair," in which Uncle Tom Cobley is one of the many characters mentioned. Over time, the name Cobley became associated with the idea of a lengthy list of people or things. Thus, saying "uncle Tom Cobley and all" means including every possible person or entity connected to a particular situation or topic.
  • say uncle The idiom "say uncle" refers to an expression used to concede defeat, surrender, or acknowledge submission after enduring a challenging or painful situation.
  • everyone and his uncle The idiom "everyone and his uncle" is used to refer to a situation where a large number of people, often including many who are irrelevant or unnecessary, are involved or showing up for something. It implies that there is an overwhelming or excessive presence of people.
  • Dutch uncle The idiom "Dutch uncle" refers to a person who gives frank, honest, and often blunt advice or criticism, typically with the intention of helping someone improve themselves or correct their behavior. This term is derived from the stereotype of Dutch people being straightforward and direct in their communication style.
  • I'll be a monkey's uncle! The idiom "I'll be a monkey's uncle!" is an expression used to convey surprise, disbelief, or astonishment at something unexpected or unlikely happening. It often indicates that the speaker finds a particular situation or outcome highly improbable or surprising, as if they are saying they would never have anticipated it.
  • Uncle Sam The idiom "Uncle Sam" refers to a personification of the United States government or the American nation as a whole. It typically depicts the U.S. as a tall, elderly man with white hair and a long beard, dressed in red, white, and blue attire, and symbolizes patriotism and national identity. The term is often used to refer to American policies, authority figures, or the American people collectively.
  • everybody and his uncle The idiom "everybody and his uncle" refers to a phrase used to emphasize that a large number of people, possibly without specification, are involved or interested in a certain situation or activity. It signifies a significant or widespread participation of many individuals, often suggesting a chaotic or crowded situation.
  • cry (or say or yell) uncle The idiom "cry uncle" or "say uncle" means to admit defeat or surrender, usually after being subjected to pressure, pain, or a challenging situation. It often implies giving up or conceding when someone realizes they cannot continue resisting or enduring something. The phrase can be used both literally and figuratively.
  • cry uncle The idiom "cry uncle" means to admit defeat or surrender after a struggle or challenge, usually in a humorous or informal context. It signifies a person giving in or acknowledging that they cannot overcome a situation or competitor.
  • a Dutch uncle The idiom "a Dutch uncle" refers to someone who gives direct and forthright advice or criticism, often in a stern or authoritative manner. This figure is seen as someone who offers guidance, discipline, or wisdom, similar to an older relative or mentor, despite not necessarily being of Dutch origin.

Similar spelling words for UNCLE

Plural form of UNCLE is UNCLES

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