open adoption

noun

: an adoption that involves contact between biological and adoptive parents and sometimes between biological parents and the adopted child

Examples of open adoption 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.
In one survey, highlighted in the Donaldson report, more than half of adoption-agency staff members said that they were contacted about a problem with an open adoption once or twice a year—a tiny fraction of their placements. Nicole Chung, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025 In the decade since, Rawson has remained in contact with her daughter, a rarity in open adoptions. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025 In an open adoption, biological parents can maintain contact with the child through visits or letters. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 12 Jan. 2025 An open adoption allows the biological parents continued rights to visit or get information about the child. Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 16 Feb. 2024 See All Example Sentences for open adoption

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of open adoption was in 1973

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Cite this Entry

“Open adoption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open%20adoption. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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