family

fam-i-ly · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A group of people related by blood, marriage, or adoption.

  2. 2.

    All the descendants of a common ancestor.

  3. 3.

    A group of related things or organisms.

  4. 4.

    A unit of a crime organization.

  5. 5.

    Suitable for or involving family members.

Forms

plural: families

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    family tree — A diagram showing family relationships.
  • •
    run in the family — To be a trait shared by family members.
  • •
    extended family — Relatives beyond the nuclear family.
  • •
    nuclear family — Parents and their children.
  • •
    black sheep of the family — A family member who is different or disgraced.
  • •
    family man — A man devoted to his family.

Related words

See also: children, household, parents, relatives
Synonyms: clan, household, kin, relatives

Etymology

From Latin familia ("household, family"), from famulus ("servant").