Family Members
Family members vocabulary in English, organized by category to help you learn the most important words for parents, siblings, children, and other relatives.
Parents & Guardians
Parents and guardians are the people responsible for raising and caring for children.
| English Singular | English Plural | Example Sentence (Singular) | Example Sentence (Plural) |
|---|---|---|---|
| father | fathers | My father works in an office. | Our fathers are very kind. |
| mother | mothers | Her mother is a teacher. | Their mothers are cooking dinner. |
| parent | parents | I have one parent at home. | Both my parents are supportive. |
| guardian | guardians | She is my legal guardian. | The guardians attended the meeting. |
| stepfather | stepfathers | My stepfather is from Canada. | Their stepfathers are friendly. |
| stepmother | stepmothers | His stepmother is very nice. | Our stepmothers get along well. |
| adoptive parent | adoptive parents | They have an adoptive parent. | The adoptive parents are loving. |
| single parent | single parents | She is a single parent. | Single parents face many challenges. |
Siblings
Siblings are brothers and sisters who share one or both parents.
| English Singular | English Plural | Example Sentence (Singular) | Example Sentence (Plural) |
|---|---|---|---|
| brother | brothers | My brother plays soccer. | Their brothers are older. |
| sister | sisters | Her sister is a student. | Our sisters are twins. |
| sibling | siblings | I have one sibling. | Siblings often argue at home. |
| stepbrother | stepbrothers | My stepbrother is funny. | Their stepbrothers live abroad. |
| stepsister | stepsisters | Her stepsister is younger. | Our stepsisters are in high school. |
| half-brother | half-brothers | He has a half-brother. | Half-brothers sometimes live separately. |
| half-sister | half-sisters | I met my half-sister yesterday. | Half-sisters share one parent. |
Children
Children are the sons and daughters of parents.
| English Singular | English Plural | Example Sentence (Singular) | Example Sentence (Plural) |
|---|---|---|---|
| son | sons | My son is five years old. | Their sons are in college. |
| daughter | daughters | Her daughter loves music. | Our daughters play the piano. |
| child | children | I have one child. | Children need lots of care. |
| baby | babies | The baby is sleeping. | The babies are smiling. |
| toddler | toddlers | The toddler is learning to walk. | Toddlers need constant supervision. |
| eldest | eldest | He is the eldest child. | The eldest children often take responsibility. |
| youngest | youngest | She is the youngest daughter. | The youngest children get more attention. |
Extended Family
Extended family includes relatives beyond the immediate family.
| English Singular | English Plural | Example Sentence (Singular) | Example Sentence (Plural) |
|---|---|---|---|
| grandparent | grandparents | My grandparent tells stories. | Our grandparents are visiting. |
| grandfather | grandfathers | Her grandfather fought in the war. | Their grandfathers share wisdom. |
| grandmother | grandmothers | My grandmother bakes cookies. | Grandmothers spoil their grandchildren. |
| uncle | uncles | My uncle lives in New York. | Uncles often take us on trips. |
| aunt | aunts | Her aunt is a doctor. | Aunts bring gifts for children. |
| cousin | cousins | I have a cousin in France. | Cousins are like siblings. |
| nephew | nephews | My nephew is very playful. | Nephews and nieces visit us often. |
| niece | nieces | Her niece just started school. | Nieces love spending time with family. |
In-Laws & Relatives by Marriage
These are family members related by marriage.
| English Singular | English Plural | Example Sentence (Singular) | Example Sentence (Plural) |
|---|---|---|---|
| father-in-law | fathers-in-law | My father-in-law is a lawyer. | Fathers-in-law sometimes give advice. |
| mother-in-law | mothers-in-law | Her mother-in-law cooks well. | Mothers-in-law can be very helpful. |
| brother-in-law | brothers-in-law | I have a brother-in-law in Canada. | Brothers-in-law joined the family dinner. |
| sister-in-law | sisters-in-law | My sister-in-law is kind. | Sisters-in-law often become close friends. |
| son-in-law | sons-in-law | The son-in-law is very polite. | Sons-in-law help with family events. |
| daughter-in-law | daughters-in-law | Our daughter-in-law loves gardening. | Daughters-in-law are part of the family. |
| spouse | spouses | She is my spouse. | Spouses support each other. |
| husband | husbands | Her husband is a pilot. | Husbands and wives share responsibilities. |
| wife | wives | His wife teaches yoga. | Wives often manage the household. |
Relationship Terms
These words describe different types of family relationships.
| English Singular | English Plural | Example Sentence (Singular) | Example Sentence (Plural) |
|---|---|---|---|
| relative | relatives | I have a relative in Australia. | Relatives gather during holidays. |
| ancestor | ancestors | Our ancestor came from Europe. | Ancestors are part of family history. |
| descendant | descendants | He is a descendant of royalty. | Descendants carry on family traditions. |
| spouse | spouses | They are spouses for ten years. | Spouses share many experiences. |
| partner | partners | My partner is very supportive. | Partners often build families together. |
| family member | family members | Every family member is important. | Family members stay connected. |
Common Phrases
These phrases help you talk about family in everyday English.
| English Singular | English Plural | Example Sentence (Singular) | Example Sentence (Plural) |
|---|---|---|---|
| immediate family | — | My immediate family is small. | Immediate families usually live together. |
| extended family | — | We have a big extended family. | Extended families celebrate together. |
| family tree | — | I created a family tree. | Family trees show relationships. |
| close-knit family | — | We are a close-knit family. | Close-knit families support each other. |
| single-parent family | — | She grew up in a single-parent family. | Single-parent families face unique challenges. |
| blended family | — | They have a blended family. | Blended families include step-siblings. |
This is your complete family members vocabulary in English, covering parents, siblings, children, extended relatives, in-laws, and useful relationship terms.
Flashcards (1 of 51)
- Example Sentence (Singular): My father works in an office.
- Example Sentence (Plural): Our fathers are very kind.
- English Singular: father
- English Plural: fathers
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
