next of kin

a person's nearest relative or relatives: The newspaper did not publish the names of casualties until the next of kin had been notified.

Law. the nearest relative or relatives who share in the estate of a person who dies intestate.

Origin of next of kin

First recorded in 1760–70

newtownabbey, next, next door, next door to, next friend, next of kin, next to, next-door, nexus, nexö, nexø

A year passed, and yet the next-of-kin had heard nothing of the case.

Mysteries of Police and Crime |Arthur Griffiths
Say that you insist, as next-of-kin, on having access to your uncle's belongings.

The Chestermarke Instinct |J. S. Fletcher
Was it for the constituted authorities or for the next-of-kin?

Ireland Under Coercion (2nd ed.) (2 of 2) (1888) |William Henry Hurlbert
The next-of-kin are very watchful over the shekels; and the man who marries a widow with relations does not always enter paradise.

Cornish Saints and Sinners |J. Henry Harris

The farm was a family property, and passed to the rabbit-shooting cousin as the next-of-kin.

Beasts and Super-Beasts |Saki

next of kin

a person's closest relative or relatives