next of kin

noun phrase

: one or more persons in the nearest degree of relationship to another person

Examples of next of kin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
When reached on April 24, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in West Virginia told PEOPLE that state law limits the release of autopsy information to next of kin and law enforcement. Janelle Griffith, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026 Deputies have not released the inmate's identity pending notification of next of kin. Tim Fang, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026 The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office will identify the man who died after his next of kin is notified. Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2026 The identity of the person who died hasn’t been released pending notification of next of kin by the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office. Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for next of kin

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of next of kin was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Next of kin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/next%20of%20kin. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

Legal Definition

next of kin

1
: one or more living persons in the nearest degree of relationship to a particular individual
2
: those persons entitled by statute to receive the property in an intestate's estate compare heir
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