foster care

noun

: a situation in which for a period of time a child lives with and is cared for by a foster parent
children placed in foster care

Examples of foster care in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When Wilson reflects on her own legacy, names sit with her such as Rilya Wilson, the 4-year-old girl who went missing while in foster care and whose absence wasn’t noticed due to case worker neglect. Miami Herald, 30 May 2026 While in foster care, the daughter was involuntarily hospitalized and forcibly medicated, while the toddler and his brother started bed-wetting and engaging in self-harm. Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 28 May 2026 The three years of separation and foster care will leave a permanent mark on the family. Larissa MacFarquhar, New Yorker, 28 May 2026 Alexis had spent the most time in foster care, living in five homes. Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 28 May 2026 The brand is also inaugurating a partnership with Foster Love, a nonprofit for children in foster care. James Manso, Footwear News, 27 May 2026 Wednesday's Child has helped find homes for hundreds of waiting children and continues to raise awareness about adoption from foster care. CBS News, 27 May 2026 The pair have since been placed in temporary foster care. Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2026 The pets in foster care for Twin Cities Pet Rescue will be available for adoption after they’re checked by a veterinarian who provides her services at a discount for Twin Cities Pet Rescue. Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 26 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of foster care was in 1899

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Cite this Entry

“Foster care.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foster%20care. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.

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