noun / adjective
sister
SIS-tur/ˈsɪstər/
A female sibling.
Two sisters sit together on a sofa, looking through a photo album.
Etymology
Middle English suster already named a female sibling, so the modern sense continues an established kinship meaning. Whether its earlier source was Old English or a Scandinavian cognate is uncertain.
In context
… No, you are my only sister. You are my only sibling. Only person I have in my life.
More examples
- My younger sister starts college this fall.
- She has two sisters and a brother.
- I call my sister every Sunday to catch up.
Forms
sister · sisters
sisterly adjective — Showing the affection of a sister.
Similar words
- sibling
- Refers to a brother or sister, without specifying gender.
- sis
- An informal, affectionate shortening, often used when addressing a sister.