immediate family

[ ih-mee-dee-it fam-uh-lee, fam lee ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a social unit consisting of people who are very closely related, usually including parents, siblings, spouses, and children, or the members of this social unit: Compare extended family ( def 1 ), nuclear family def.
Benefits include free medical treatment for the employee and immediate family.
Members of her immediate family and several former colleagues were also in attendance.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of immediate family¹

First recorded in 1730–40

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Among them, he shared a particularly special connection with his younger sister, María Elena – now the only surviving member of his immediate family.

From

Her main imperative now, which frankly she and her husband are expertly skilled at, is protecting the immediate family and generating income.

From

Ernest Salomon of Santa Barbara, almost 90, said he and some of his immediate family escaped German death camps while other relatives perished.

From

"Manasra's rights were systematically stripped since his imprisonment. He has only been allowed to see his immediate family through a glass wall, without any physical contact," Adalah said in a statement.

From

The relocation saved the lives of Siegfried’s immediate family, at some cost to his peace of mind.

From

immediate constituent immediately

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