nuclear family

noun

: a family group that consists only of parents and children

Examples of nuclear family in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web For decades, we have been assured that American voters want an unblemished nuclear family—a supportive spouse and smiling children—in the White House. Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 22 Feb. 2024 Babes defies the isolated norms of the nuclear family and makes a case for shaping one’s life around friendship and extended community. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for nuclear family 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nuclear family.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nuclear family was in 1924

Dictionary Entries Near nuclear family

Cite this Entry

“Nuclear family.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nuclear%20family. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

nuclear family

noun
: a family group that consists only of father, mother, and children

Medical Definition

nuclear family

noun
: a family group that consists only of father, mother, and children see extended family

More from Merriam-Webster on nuclear family

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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