# cousin

/ˈkəzən/ (US) · /kˈʌzən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cousin
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. child of aunt/uncle

noun · CEFR A1

the child of your aunt or uncle.

For teachers: the child of one's aunt or uncle; more technically, a first cousin.

- I am going to the cinema with my cousin this weekend.
- Although they grew up in different cities, the two cousins maintained a close bond through frequent summer visits to their grandparents' farm.

### 2. distant relative

noun · CEFR B1

a more distant relative in your family tree.

For teachers: a collateral relative more distant than a sibling, often specified by degrees such as 'second' or 'third' cousin.

- He met a distant cousin at the family reunion who lives in Australia.
- The genealogical research revealed several distant cousins living in the maritime provinces, descendants of a branch of the family that emigrated in the 1880s.

### 3. related people or nations

noun · CEFR B2

people from another country or group that is very similar to your own.

For teachers: a person or group of a different nationality or ethnicity regarded as culturally or historically related.

- The two neighbouring countries often refer to each other as cousins.
- The prime minister spoke of the shared heritage between the two nations, describing the citizens as transatlantic cousins with a common destiny.

### 5. term of address

noun · CEFR C2 · Informal · Dialect

a friendly way to address a close friend or a member of your community.

For teachers: a familiar or affectionate term of address for a person with whom one shares a close bond or common identity.

- How are you doing, cousin?
- In many rural communities, the term 'cousin' is used as a mark of respect and belonging, even when no biological relationship exists.

## Examples

- I am visiting my cousin in the city this weekend.
- During the large family reunion, I finally met my youngest cousin who lives in Australia.
- While they were raised in different countries, the two cousins maintained a close bond through frequent letters and shared family traditions.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.