adoption

noun

adop·​tion ə-ˈdäp-shən How to pronounce adoption (audio)
plural adoptions
1
: the act or process of adopting someone or something: such as
a
: the act or process of adopting a child
couples who are interested in adoption
About three-quarters of private domestic adoptions are now "open," involving some degree of ongoing contact between adoptive parents, adoptees and the birth family …Sydney Trent
b
: the act or process of adopting an animal as a pet
dogs and cats available for adoption
The global pandemic saw a boom in pet adoptionsscoop.co.nz
c
: the act of beginning to practice or use something
the adoption of new technology
The versatility of the henley shirt can be seen in its early adoption by rowers and how it has been worn since.Emma Fraser
d
: the act or process of giving official acceptance or approval to something
the adoption of measures to reduce emissions
2
: the state or condition of being adopted
She is their daughter by adoption.

Examples of adoption in a Sentence

the company wants to speed up its adoption of new technology. Our adoption of local customs has gone slowly. The lawyer has handled countless adoptions. children who are available for adoption the unanimous adoption of the resolution by the Senate
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.
The result could be a renaissance for internal combustion engine cars that puts the U.S. on a very different path from the rest of the world, where EV adoption continues to grow. Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 4 July 2025 What freedom means to me Today commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress in 1776. Brittney Melton, NPR, 4 July 2025 Meanwhile, the Fourth of July, or Independence Day, is a U.S. federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 when 13 American colonies declared their independence from Great Britain. Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025 The artificial intelligence funding landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with investors placing strategic bets on companies that can demonstrate clear market validation and enterprise adoption. William Jones, USA Today, 4 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for adoption

Word History

Etymology

Middle English adopcioun, borrowed from Anglo-French adopciun, borrowed from Latin adoptiōn-, adoptiō, from ad- ad- + optiōn-, optiō "right to choose, choice, option entry 1"

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of adoption was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Adoption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adoption. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

adoption

noun
adop·​tion ə-ˈdäp-shən How to pronounce adoption (audio)
: the act of adopting : the state of being adopted
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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