nuclear family

noun

: a family group that consists only of parents and children

Examples of nuclear family 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.
So if the nuclear family is not for you, what other options are there? Stuart Miller, Oc Register, 30 Sep. 2025 But humanity has yet to devise a method of raising children superior to the nuclear family. Judy Berman, Time, 29 Sep. 2025 His unresolved issues from childhood manifest in the need to keep the dream of a nuclear family alive at all costs. Erin Qualey, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025 He was raised kind of running around the streets, not with a nuclear family. Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nuclear family

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nuclear family was in 1924

Cite this Entry

“Nuclear family.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nuclear%20family. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

nuclear family

noun
: a family group that consists only of father, mother, and children

Medical Definition

nuclear family

noun
: a family group that consists only of father, mother, and children see extended family

More from Merriam-Webster on nuclear family

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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