Home Dictionary Ssister

sister

A female sibling who shares the same parents as another person. / A woman who is a member of a religious community of nuns. / sister

Transitive Verb[C] Countable

pl: sisterspast: sisteredpp: sistereding: sistering

The word carries a strong emotional weight of kinship and shared history. While it denotes a biological relationship, it is frequently used to describe deep, lifelong bonds of loyalty and mutual support regardless of blood relation, often appearing in social or political movements to signal solidarity.

In a religious context, the term shifts from a familial bond to a spiritual one, designating a shared devotion and a communal life within a convent. This usage implies a vow of service and a surrender of individual autonomy to a higher calling.

Countable when referring to individual female siblings or nuns.

Meanings

Noun

A female sibling who shares the same parents as another person.

My sister is three years older than me.

Noun

A woman who is a member of a religious community of nuns.

Sister Mary teaches at the local parish.

Transitive Verbsister

[~ something]

To provide a second layer of support to a structural beam or joist by attaching a parallel beam alongside it.

The contractor decided to sister the floor joists to stop the sagging.

Phrasal Verbs

sister up

to reinforce a structural beam by attaching a parallel support beam

The carpenter had to sister up the old porch beams to ensure the deck was safe.

Last Updated: July 6, 2026•Report an Error