adoption

noun

adop·​tion ə-ˈdäp-shən 

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 adoptions …

—scoop.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

Mulligan’s Mutt Madness, a dog adoption event, took place during the Equip Expo at the Kentucky Exposition Center. —Ray Padilla, Louisville Courier Journal, 24 Oct. 2025

Tom, the elder of the two, was given up for adoption as an infant. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2025

Raised in Blackpool, England, after his adoption into a working-class family, Ball grew up a budding artist with a penchant for the Northern soul craze then sweeping the north of England, obsessively collecting Tamla and Stax singles. —Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2025

Real healing happens through permanent, supportive relationships, whether through adoption, reunification with family, or lasting connections with caring adults. —Laura Rivera, Denver Post, 23 Oct. 2025

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

Phrases Containing adoption

• open adoption
• put/give the baby up for adoption

Rhymes for adoption

• option

Kids Definition

adoption

noun

adop·​tion ə-ˈdäp-shən 

: the act of adopting : the state of being adopted