scion

noun

sci·on | \ ˈsī-ən

\

Definition of scion

1 : a detached living portion of a plant (such as a bud or shoot) joined to a stock in grafting and usually supplying solely aerial parts to a graft

2a : descendant, child especially : a descendant of a wealthy, aristocratic, or influential family

b : heir sense 1 scion of a railroad empire

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Get Familial With scion

Scion derives from the Middle English sioun and Old French cion and is related to the Old English cīth and the Old High German kīdi (meaning "sprout" or "shoot"). When it first sprouted in English in the 14th century, scion meant "a shoot or twig." That sense withered in horticultural contexts, but the word branched out, adding the grafting-related meaning we know today. A figurative sense also blossomed referring to one's descendants, with particular reference to those who are descendants of notable families.

Examples of scion in a Sentence

He's a scion of a powerful family.

Recent Examples on the Web

The scion of rock royalty continues the slow rollout of her music. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, "Frances Bean Cobain Posts Clip of Intense New Song: Listen," 13 June 2018 On the Democratic side former Attorney General Drew Edmondson, the scion of a famous Oklahoma political family, is favored over former state Senator Connie Johnson for the gubernatorial nod. — Ed Kilgore, Daily Intelligencer, "New York House Races Headline June 26 State Primaries," 26 June 2018 So Madison Bumgarner, once the scion of durability, has officially entered the freak accident stage of his career. — Michael Mcgough, sacbee, "Giants fans lament on Twitter as Bumgarner will miss ‘significant’ time | The Sacramento Bee," 23 Mar. 2018 His mother was once the mayor of Milan, his father the scion of a petrochemical conglomerate based in Sardinia. — Steff Yotka, Vogue, "Redemption Takes on Rock 'n' Roll at Its Parisian Couture Show," 9 July 2018 Edmondson, the scion of an Oklahoma political family, unsuccessfully ran for the job in 2010, but has held a steady lead this time around. — Li Zhou, Vox, "Oklahoma primary election 2018 live results: governor and medical marijuana ballot measure," 26 June 2018 Since that time Hanna has received the Beacon Award from the Beacon Society, the education scion of the international Sherlockian Society. — Lisa Peklo, Howard County Times, "Young Girl Scouts earn Gold and Silver awards [West Friendship]," 14 June 2018 Philly political scion pleads guilty to tax evasion The late Bill Miller IV is a legend in Philadelphia politics. — Philly.com, "Philly Sheriff Jewell Williams cited for operating illegal triplex | Clout," 26 Apr. 2018 CBS Photo Archive—Getty Images Harlan Ellison, a scion of the Golden Age of science fiction, has died at age 84. — Glenn Fleishman, Fortune, "5 Great Works From Acclaimed Sci-Fi Author Harlan Ellison, Who Died at 84," 29 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'scion.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

27 Aug 2018

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The first known use of scion was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for scion

scion

noun

English Language Learners Definition of scion

: a person who was born into a rich, famous, or important family

botany : a piece of a plant that is attached to part of another plant

See the full definition for scion in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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