Cousin Meaning
Cousin Definition & Usage
A child of one's uncle or aunt.
Examples
- "My cousin Emily is coming over for dinner tonight."
- "We used to play together every summer when we were kids; my cousin was my best friend."
- "I haven't seen my cousins in years, but we still keep in touch online."
- "At the family reunion, my cousin told everyone about his new job."
- "The cousins spent the entire day at the amusement park, riding roller coasters and eating cotton candy."
A term of endearment or familiarity used to describe a close or familiar friend, though not related by blood.
Examples
- "He's like a cousin to me; we've been friends since we were toddlers."
- "I always joke around with my cousins, even though they’re not really my cousins by blood."
- "Her cousin from another country is the first person she calls whenever she needs advice."
- "I met his 'cousin' last weekend; they seem to get along very well."
- "They refer to each other as cousins, even though they’re just childhood friends."
Cultural Context
The word 'cousin' is commonly used worldwide to describe the children of one's uncles and aunts. It is a key term in family structures, particularly in cultures that emphasize extended family relationships. In some cultures, cousins are considered as close as siblings, and the term is often used to denote a close, affectionate relationship.
The Summer Reunion
Story
The Summer Reunion
It was the first time in five years that all the cousins had gathered together for a family reunion. The sun was setting, casting a warm golden light over the backyard where a long table was set up, overflowing with food and laughter. Emma, the eldest cousin, glanced around at her younger cousins, remembering the days when they used to run around the yard playing tag without a care in the world. She hadn't seen Marcus, her cousin from the other side of the country, in months. He was holding his baby girl in his arms, and his face broke into a smile when he saw her approaching. 'Emma, you’re looking more like Aunt Mary every day,' he said with a wink. 'I can’t believe how much you’ve changed.' Emma chuckled, noting how much Marcus had changed as well. 'Same here. Look at you, a father now. How does that feel?' Their younger cousins were running around the table, playing some sort of game that involved tossing a football back and forth. Emma’s eyes wandered to the sight of her cousin, Sarah, who was a few years younger than her, but they had always been close. 'Hey, Sarah! I can’t believe you’re graduating this year. You’re growing up too fast!' Sarah smiled, pulling her cousin into a hug. 'I know, right? It feels like just yesterday we were playing in the sandbox.' As the night wore on, stories were shared, drinks were poured, and the cousins gathered around the fire pit, roasting marshmallows. It was during moments like these that Emma realized how much she valued her cousins—not just as family members, but as lifelong companions. They weren’t just related by blood; they had become a core part of her life, a support system that was always there. The bonds of their childhood, though sometimes tested by time and distance, remained as strong as ever. 'You know,' Emma said thoughtfully, 'it’s funny how cousins can feel like siblings, even when we’re not living in the same house.' Sarah nodded. 'Yeah, sometimes it’s like we’re closer than some of our other relatives. I guess we just get each other in a way no one else can.' The cousins agreed, the warmth of the fire matching the warmth they felt in each other’s company. There was no doubt that they would continue to be there for each other, no matter how far life took them.
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