noun phrase · neutral

extended family

UK/ɪkˈstendɪd ˈfæməli/US/ɪkˈstɛndɪd ˈfæməli/ex·TEND·ed FA·mi·ly

Band 4-5speakingtask2

A family group that includes relatives beyond the immediate parents and children, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Examples

In many cultures, the extended family plays a big role in childcare.

She grew up in an extended family with lots of cousins and grandparents nearby.

Extended family gatherings are common during festivals.

Band 8 sentence

Although I moved to another city for university, I still visit my extended family every holiday to keep traditions alive.

Collocations

  • live in an extended family
  • extended family gathering

Word family

extended adjectivefamily noun

Common mistakes

big familyextended family

extended famillyextended family

Say it for a higher band

5big family6large family7+extended family

Synonyms

large family

Easily confused

immediate family

Only members of my immediate family attended the small funeral.

Related words

Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.

In Family & Relationships

Learn it with its set