extended family
noun
: a family that includes in one household near relatives (such as grandparents, aunts, or uncles) in addition to a nuclear family
Given space, there are ways in which even larger populations than the extended family can be accommodated under one roof.—
Paul Oliver
Paul Oliver
also
: an extensive group of people who are related by blood or marriage or who otherwise regard themselves as a large family
Four out of every five people who go through a first divorce remarry … . Thus it is that husbands and wives, their former partners, children and stepchildren, and a whole constellation of grandparents and other relatives are brought together in the new American extended family. —Michael Norman
Michael Norman During his five years at Owen High, he turned his teams into an extended family and tried to instill in his players the same sense of self-worth that Baldwin had imparted to him years before. —William Nack
William Nack Examples of extended family in a Sentence
their extended family includes a grandmother and widowed aunt
Recent Examples on the Web
People in these areas often live in extended families.
—Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 17 Mar. 2025
Most are left under the care of extended family, and in some cases, are separated from their siblings.
—Nathaly Triana, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025
Irish Families In Savannah The day starts bright and early for all the participants, even earlier for extended families with lots of children that need to be fed and dressed.
—Jessica Farthing, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2025
Denham is survived by his wife, Cindy, and two sons, along with many extended family members.
—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for extended family
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 17 Mar. 2025
Most are left under the care of extended family, and in some cases, are separated from their siblings.
—Nathaly Triana, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025
Irish Families In Savannah The day starts bright and early for all the participants, even earlier for extended families with lots of children that need to be fed and dressed.
—Jessica Farthing, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2025
Denham is survived by his wife, Cindy, and two sons, along with many extended family members.
—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for extended family
Cite this Entry
“Extended family.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extended%20family. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share