Dictionary

nephling en · NOUN

Pronunciation

• nĕfʹlĭng
• /ˈnɛflɪŋ/

Etymology

Blend of nephew + sibling.

Meanings

1. (rare) A nibling.
   • A bachelor of our acquaintance describes his brother's children as his “nephlings.” This term is not only gender neutral, unlike niece or nephew, but implies a closer relationship with its connection to the word sibling. [2011, Mary Anderson, Jane Goodman, Nancy K. Schlossberg, Counseling Adults in Transition, Fourth Edition: Linking Schlossberg’s Theory With Practice in a Diverse World:
   • June 19 is six days before mine. And 4 days after the nephling’s. 1998, “Charlotte L. Blackmer” (username), ““Birthdays”, in rec.food.cooking (Usenet):
   • My dear neph-ling: I congratulate you on the attainment of your degree as “Master of Arts.” […] Your affectionate uncle, Cinna Beverley. 1843, Nathaniel Parker Willis, The Miscellaneous Works of N.P. Willis:
   • Tell us about the new nephling. […] She’s cute. 2006, “Austin Shackles” (username), “Re: Whoo Hoo!”, in free.beer.tomorrow (Usenet):
   • One of my correspondents uses the idiolect form "nephlings" to refer collectively to her niece and nephew, but points out that even this derives from the masculine form. [1992, The Bible Translator, volume 43, United Bible Societies:
   • The nephling, now 4-1/2 is a second child also, and didn't speak more than a word or two until he was close to 3-1/2. 2000, “Brian Mailman” (username), “When do Kids Talk?”, in misc.kids.moderated (Usenet):

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