extended family

[ik-sten-did fam-uh-lee, fam lee] / ɪkˈstɛn dɪd ˈfæm ə li, ˈfæm li /

NOUN

parents, children, and relatives

Synonyms

STRONGEST

nuclear family

WEAK

binuclear family kinship group menage ménage relations

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They’re also at times footing the bill for their extended family.

From Barron's • May 27, 2026

He remarried when I was 12, and I spent weekends with him and his new wife in the city and idyllic summers with extended family in Illinois.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

She also recommended creating a caregiving plan early, involving siblings or extended family when possible, and protecting time for the marriage itself.

From MarketWatch • May 21, 2026

The files were sealed until 2071 on national security grounds, and for the protection of the extended family.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

The extended family had gathered only to realize that the Larsens were missing; the celebration turned into a vigil of worry and prayer.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers