Spelling.School · How to spell

How to spell uncle

What it means: The brother of your father or mother.

In a sentence: My uncle loves to tell funny stories. ▶

The part people get wrong

Watch for an unstressed vowel that is hard to hear. Often misspelled as unkle or unkel.

Same family: aunt, nephew, niece, family, relative. If you can spell one, the shared part carries to the others.

Where it comes from: Uncle comes from the Latin word "avunculus," meaning "mother’s brother." In many cultures, the word "uncle" is also used more loosely for close family friends who act as supportive helpers and advisors.

Patterns it uses: The unstressed vowel (schwa)

Try spelling it

You will hear the word and a sentence. Type it and press Enter. Then four more words from the same level, so you know where you stand.

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