foster

adjective

fos·​ter ˈfȯ-stər How to pronounce foster (audio)
ˈfä-
Synonyms of fosternext
1
: having, relating to, or being the relationship between a foster parent and the child who the foster parent cares for
Although both girls lived with Ms. Ayala, Millison was the only one who was officially placed in her care as a foster child.Ian Fisher
Twenty-three foster children now have a place to call home and family of their own following the Adoption Day at the Williamson County Courthouse in Marion on Friday.Holly Kee
a foster mother/father
her new foster brother/sister
living with a foster family
foster parenting
the foster system
2
: being, relating to, or involved in a situation in which temporary care is given to an animal (such as one that is injured or awaiting adoption) in a household or similar setting
foster pets
a foster dog/cat/puppy/kitten
found foster placements for the animals
For the past year, Melbourne social impact strategy consultant Lee Crockford has been a foster dad to Romeo, an adorable Labrador puppy and future seeing eye dog.Shannon Molloy

Examples of foster 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.
The Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) has paused all dog intakes, adoptions, and foster placements because of a threat of parvovirus. Adam Thompson, CBS News, 5 June 2026 The San José Unified School District, as an example, has incorporated a 40-hour community service requirement throughout high school into its curriculum as part of an effort to encourage engagement with the broader community, foster empathy and reduce social isolation among students. Muhammad Aquil, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2026 Officials from Taiwan and Japan are optimistic the route will boost tourism, foster trade and deepen bilateral ties. Wayne Chang, CNN Money, 3 June 2026 This is quintessential Alberta—a place where Indigenous traditions breathe life into the land, where artistry ignites the soul, and where prehistoric treasures foster unwavering connections. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for foster

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English fōstor-, from fōstor food, feeding; akin to Old English fōda food

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of foster was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Foster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foster. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

foster

1 of 2 adjective
fos·​ter ˈfȯs-tər How to pronounce foster (audio)
ˈfäs-
: giving, receiving, or sharing parental care even though not related by blood or legal ties
foster parent
foster child

foster

2 of 2 verb
fostered; fostering -t(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce foster (audio)
1
: to give parental care to
2
: to help the growth or development of
fosterer noun

Legal Definition

foster

1 of 2 adjective
fos·​ter
: affording, receiving, or sharing nurture or parental care though not related by blood or legal relationships
a foster child
a foster parent

foster

2 of 2 transitive verb
fostered; fostering
: to give parental care to

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