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
Ian FisherTwenty-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
Holly Keea foster mother/father
her new foster brother/sister
living with a foster family
children in foster care
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
Shannon Molloysee also foster home
fostered; fostering
ˈfȯ-st(ə-)riŋ 
ˈfä-
; fosters
1
a
: to act as a foster parent to (a child)
The couple said they get … updates and pictures from all the children they've fostered.—Patrick Edrich
Patrick Edrich
b
: to provide temporary care to (an animal that is injured, homeless, etc.) in a household or similar setting
… it's just her luck she'd find a partner who not only adores dogs but fosters them for a Sacramento animal shelter.—Gina Kim
Gina Kim2
: to promote the growth or development of : encourage
policies that foster cooperation
a lack of communication that fostered distrust
Grilling meat fosters the formation of potentially cancer-causing heterocyclic amines …—J. Raloff
J. RaloffThe dead grass rotted in the warm water, releasing nutrients that fostered algae.—Carl Hiaasen
Carl Hiaasen
Synonyms
Examples of foster in a Sentence
Verb
Such conditions foster the spread of the disease.
Would you consider fostering a child?
Recent Examples on the WebEmily Bancroft, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2023
Under the Biden plan, Arizona would likely have to find other ways of funding its aggressive child protective services investigations of poor parents and use welfare dollars to help families stay together rather than removing their kids into foster care.
—Eli Hager, ProPublica, 28 Nov. 2023
Her foster mother, with the support of government social workers, sought a hysterectomy to manage her periods.
—Sarah Hurtes, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2023
By embracing flexibility and inclusivity in return-to-work strategies, employers can mitigate legal risks, foster employee engagement, and build a more inclusive and productive work environment.
—Gleb Tsipursky, Fortune, 22 Nov. 2023
As with previous years, some of the proceeds from each Frosty Key Tag support the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, a charity finding permanent homes for children in foster care.
—Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 17 Nov. 2023
There’s also a bananas foster flambé in that segment, which was so stressful to shoot, because working with live fire on set can be tense.
—Los Angeles Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 17 Nov. 2023
Instant camera While many new moms grapple with postpartum struggles while caring for newborn children, there’s another demographic adjusting to parenthood for the first time: adoptive and foster moms.
—Grace Smith, wsj.com, 9 Nov. 2023
Michael and his siblings were placed once more in foster care.
—Jessica Sager, Peoplemag, 9 Nov. 2023
Nina Seega, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023
At the same time students have been looking for a path forward -- trying to foster dialogue and dial back the tensions.
—Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 29 Nov. 2023
And while scientists gather more data on potential longevity drugs, there are steps that dog owners can now take to foster healthier aging, experts said, including keeping their dogs lean and providing ample exercise and mental stimulation.
—Emily Anthes, New York Times, 28 Nov. 2023
Vincent is a member of the ASC Board of Governors and a founding member of the Society’s Vision Committee for fostering diversity and inclusion.
—Carolyn Giardina, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Nov. 2023
The World Creole Music Festival serves as a platform for these various musical styles and influences to come together, fostering a celebration of cultural diversity within the Creole music tradition.
—Melissa Noel, Essence, 28 Nov. 2023
From luxurious skincare essentials to soothing aromatherapy items, this collection promises to elevate the holiday experience by fostering a sense of well-being.
—Samantha Booth, Rolling Stone, 27 Nov. 2023
The new San Diego Police Department chief will bear the responsibility of shaping law enforcement policy, fostering community engagement, ensuring officer accountability and keeping the public safe.
—Lyndsay Winkley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2023
The initiative is part of a new three-year pilot program for series co-productions launched by the Council of Europe, aimed at empowering independent producers and fostering new relationships in the creation and production of high-quality series made as international co-productions.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 Nov. 2023
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Adjective
Sabbaticals can also help foster creativity and innovation.
—Emily Bancroft, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2023
Under the Biden plan, Arizona would likely have to find other ways of funding its aggressive child protective services investigations of poor parents and use welfare dollars to help families stay together rather than removing their kids into foster care.
—Eli Hager, ProPublica, 28 Nov. 2023
Her foster mother, with the support of government social workers, sought a hysterectomy to manage her periods.
—Sarah Hurtes, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2023
By embracing flexibility and inclusivity in return-to-work strategies, employers can mitigate legal risks, foster employee engagement, and build a more inclusive and productive work environment.
—Gleb Tsipursky, Fortune, 22 Nov. 2023
As with previous years, some of the proceeds from each Frosty Key Tag support the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, a charity finding permanent homes for children in foster care.
—Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 17 Nov. 2023
There’s also a bananas foster flambé in that segment, which was so stressful to shoot, because working with live fire on set can be tense.
—Los Angeles Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 17 Nov. 2023
Instant camera While many new moms grapple with postpartum struggles while caring for newborn children, there’s another demographic adjusting to parenthood for the first time: adoptive and foster moms.
—Grace Smith, wsj.com, 9 Nov. 2023
Michael and his siblings were placed once more in foster care.
—Jessica Sager, Peoplemag, 9 Nov. 2023
Verb
Promoting diverse financing models can diversify risks, making climate investments more bankable and attractive, potentially accelerating the pace of climate finance and enhancing its effectiveness in fostering sustainable development.
—Nina Seega, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023
At the same time students have been looking for a path forward -- trying to foster dialogue and dial back the tensions.
—Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 29 Nov. 2023
And while scientists gather more data on potential longevity drugs, there are steps that dog owners can now take to foster healthier aging, experts said, including keeping their dogs lean and providing ample exercise and mental stimulation.
—Emily Anthes, New York Times, 28 Nov. 2023
Vincent is a member of the ASC Board of Governors and a founding member of the Society’s Vision Committee for fostering diversity and inclusion.
—Carolyn Giardina, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Nov. 2023
The World Creole Music Festival serves as a platform for these various musical styles and influences to come together, fostering a celebration of cultural diversity within the Creole music tradition.
—Melissa Noel, Essence, 28 Nov. 2023
From luxurious skincare essentials to soothing aromatherapy items, this collection promises to elevate the holiday experience by fostering a sense of well-being.
—Samantha Booth, Rolling Stone, 27 Nov. 2023
The new San Diego Police Department chief will bear the responsibility of shaping law enforcement policy, fostering community engagement, ensuring officer accountability and keeping the public safe.
—Lyndsay Winkley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2023
The initiative is part of a new three-year pilot program for series co-productions launched by the Council of Europe, aimed at empowering independent producers and fostering new relationships in the creation and production of high-quality series made as international co-productions.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 Nov. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'foster.' 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
Adjective and Verb
Middle English, from Old English fōstor-, from fōstor food, feeding; akin to Old English fōda food
First Known Use
Adjective
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Verb
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of foster was
before the 12th century
Phrases Containing foster
Dictionary Entries Near foster
Cite this Entry
“Foster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foster. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
foster
1 of 2 adjective
fos·ter
ˈfȯs-tər
ˈfäs-
: giving, receiving, or sharing parental care even though not related by blood or legal ties
foster parent
foster child
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
Biographical Definition
Foster 1 of 2
biographical name (1)
Fos·ter
ˈfȯ-stər
ˈfä-
Stephen Collins 1826–1864 American songwriter
Foster
2 of 2biographical name (2)
William Z(ebulon) 1881–1961 American Communist
More from Merriam-Webster on foster
Nglish: Translation of foster for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of foster for Arabic Speakers
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