only child

noun

: a person who never had a brother or sister

Examples of only child 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.
Thomas Frimpong, who moved to New York City around 2000, has several other children living in other states, but Javits was his only child living here. — Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 29 Oct. 2026 Her only child, Courage Abombi, 18, fondly remembers her support for his dreams of becoming a mechanical engineer. — ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026 Moreover, viewers are offered new insight into Pam, a woman who was deeply wounded long before the death of her only child. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026 An only child in a home filled in equal parts by silence and books, Laura was grateful for a friend. — Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for only child

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Only child.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/only%20child. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster