An aunt is your parent's sister, or the wife of your parent's brother (your uncle). If your mom has a sister named Sarah, then Sarah is your aunt. If your dad's brother married someone named Maria, Maria is also your aunt.

Aunts often play a special role in families. They might spoil you a little more than your parents do, remember your birthday with a card or call, or teach you things your parents never thought to mention. Some aunts live nearby and see you all the time, while others live far away and visit during holidays. A great-aunt is your parent's aunt, one generation further back.

The relationship works both ways: if someone is your aunt, that means you're their niece or nephew. People sometimes use “aunt” affectionately for close family friends who aren't actually related by blood or marriage, like calling your mom's best friend “Aunt Jennifer” even though she's not technically your aunt. This shows how the word captures a warm, caring relationship that goes beyond the strict family tree.