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

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

It feels a little like a reunion, with everyone a part of the extended family.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

The land on which the Methodist church now stands was donated by members of the same extended family connected to the tree.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

They ran through their list of relatives, but anyone in their extended family would wonder why they weren’t using Baba’s nauka.

From "Tiger Boy" by Mitali Perkins