niece

A niece is the daughter of your brother or sister. She may be a little child running around at family dinners, a teenager you give birthday gifts to, or an adult whose progress in life makes you proud. The word usually describes a warm family bond, often filled with affection, shared memories, and a bit of teasing.

Think of it this way: your sister has a daughter named Lily. Lily is your niece. You might say, "My niece is coming to visit this weekend," or "I felt so proud watching my niece in the school play."

The word "niece" names a clear family relationship: it means the daughter of your brother or sister. In everyday life, it often brings to mind a close and caring connection. Your niece might be someone you babysit, celebrate at birthdays, cheer for at school events, or stay close to as she grows older.

The main meaning is simple and specific, but in many families the word is also used for the daughter of your spouse's brother or sister. Because of that, the exact use can depend a little on how a family talks about its relationships. Even so, the central idea stays the same: it is your sibling's daughter, or a girl in that same family place through marriage.

For example, if your brother has a baby girl, that child is your niece from the day she is born. Years later, you might still say, "My niece just started college," or "My niece always makes family gatherings more fun." The word is not usually used for a friend's daughter or for just any young girl you know. It points to a real family connection and usually carries a sense of closeness, care, and family history.