If you on the other hand, define it as a set of dissipative structures which are based on organic carbon chemistry and which is able to exist somewhere between -30 and 40 degrees centigrade, replicates itself, use Deoxyribonucleic acid to store generational information, nourish their young by mammary glands, and walk on two legs, we are probably pretty alone in the universe.
Another things to think about, all life forms on our planet are relatives in the sense that we have common ancestors and shared DNA, even such "alien" creatures like tarantulas or centipedes. Given that, I am not entirely sure that it would be pleasant for us to meet technologically superior aliens. We would have to pray that they have much more empathy with other living things than we primates ourselves can usually muster.