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 Overcoming the learning curve and fostering trust in the technology is critical for widespread adoption. Tomer Warschauer Nuni, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024 The financials highlighted another reason to stay optimistic about DuPont — a recovery in its electronics business, which should continue to improve with the rise in artificial intelligence adoption and China’s big stimulus plans. Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2024 Betty looked after the child until Attallah graduated and then placed the girl for adoption. Emily Blackwood, People.com, 6 Oct. 2024 The dogs that arrived from Tennessee are now up for adoption, the shelter said Friday. Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 5 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for adoption 

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

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

Dictionary Entries Near adoption

Cite this Entry

“Adoption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adoption. Accessed 16 Oct. 2024.

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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