WordGarden.iofamily
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /fˈæmɪli/
US
- /ˈfæməli/
Meanings
Noun
a group of related people, especially parents, children, and close relatives
a group of related things that share important features
a biological classification rank above genus and below order
More meaningsFewer meanings
an organized crime group, especially one associated with the mafia
Adjective
relating to or intended for a family
Beyond the definition
Family is not only about blood. It is the people who love, support, and shape your life. It can mean the people you are born into, or the friends you choose and trust deeply. They may share a home, traditions, and history, but above all they share a close bond. Some are big, and some are small. You might say someone "comes from a good family," meaning they were raised with strong values. You might also talk about the "family dog," showing that the idea can include a loved pet too.
The word "family" often brings to mind connection, belonging, and shared history. In its basic sense, it means a group of people related by blood, marriage, or adoption, such as parents, children, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. But the meaning has grown wider over time.
Today, it can also mean people who care for one another deeply even if they are not related by birth. This may include close friends, chosen relatives, or a close community that feels like home. People sometimes speak of a "work family" or a "church family" to describe strong, caring bonds outside the traditional sense.
The word also has wider uses. In science, for example, a "family" is a group of related plants or animals. In everyday speech, it can describe things that belong together because they share an origin, type, or purpose.
Family structures differ across cultures and times. Some include many generations living close together, while others center on parents and children. Whatever form it takes, family is often where people learn values, share important moments, and find comfort in hard times. So whether it means the people you are related to or the people who stand by you like relatives, the idea is rooted in love, loyalty, care, and lasting human connection.
Examples
- 1
Home location
Her family lives in a small town near the coast.
- 2
Family time
I try to have dinner with my family every Sunday.
- 3
Household size
They are a family of five.
- Patternfamily of + number
a family with that many people
- 4
Wedding relatives
Both sides of the family came to the wedding.
- Phraseboth sides of the family
relatives from the mother’s side and the father’s side
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Financial pressure
Many families are finding it hard to pay rent right now.
- 6
Business ownership
She works in the family business with her two brothers.
- Phrasefamily business
a business owned and run by a family
- 7
Having children
They want to start a family in a few years.
- Phrasestart a family
have children
- 8
Health history
Heart disease runs in his family.
- Phraseruns in the family
is common in the family across generations
- 9
Close group
After a few months on the team, I felt like part of the family.
- Phrasepart of the family
a group feels very close, not only actual relatives
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- familynoun
Forms
- familiespluralnoun