English · Slang Attested

brother

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Also seen as: brotha

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Son of the same parents as another person.

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

It was a joy to snatch some brief respite, and find himself in the rectory drawing–room. Listening here was as pleasant as talking; just to watch was pleasant. The young priests who lived here wore cassocks and birettas; their faces were fine and mild, yet really strong, like the rector's face; and

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A male having at least one parent in common with another person (see half-brother, stepbrother).

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A male fellow member of a religious community, church, trades union etc.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Topics: Family

Common questions

What does “brother” mean?

Son of the same parents as another person.

Is “brother” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.