The word "siblings" refers to brothers and sisters; that is, individuals who share at least one parent in common. Siblings can be born into the same family, or they may be adopted. The relationship among siblings can vary widely, ranging from very close and loving to contentious and competitive.
The word "siblings" comes from the Old English word "sweostor," meaning sister, and "brother," both of which denote familial relationships. The modern term "siblings" emerged in the early 20th century as a gender-neutral way to refer to both brothers and sisters collectively.