stepchild

noun

step·​child ˈstep-ˌchī(-ə)ld How to pronounce stepchild (audio)
1
: a child of one's wife or husband by a former partner
2
: one that fails to receive proper care or attention
is no longer a stepchild in the family of nationsF. R. Smith

Examples of stepchild in a Sentence

The school has long been the forgotten stepchild of the state university system.
Recent Examples on the Web He is survived by eight children and stepchildren, 15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Tom Petruno, Los Angeles Times, 28 Nov. 2023 After facing criticism for posting more about Tristan than her stepchildren, Heather cleared the air in June during an interview with Today. Angela Andaloro, Peoplemag, 1 Nov. 2023 Advertisement Reynolds, who lives in Coronado, was previously married to the late Nick Reynolds and has four stepchildren, seven grandchildren, and a large extended family. Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Oct. 2023 He is survived by their children, Chloe and Mason Moll, and two stepchildren, Cassandra Card and Morgan Ostling. Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2023 He is survived by his children Chloe and Mason Moll; ex-wife Susan Moll and stepchildren Cassandra Card and Morgan Ostling. Variety, NBC News, 28 Oct. 2023 He is survived by his children Chloe and Mason Moll, his ex-wife Susan Moll and his stepchildren Cassandra Card and Morgan Ostling. Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 28 Oct. 2023 In addition to those named, he is survived by two stepchildren, Laura Bourret and Brandon Goldman. New York Times, 27 Oct. 2023 He is survived by his wife Kristen, his brother and fellow singer-songwriter Bruce, and four children and stepchildren. Michaela Zee, Variety, 10 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stepchild.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of stepchild was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near stepchild

Cite this Entry

“Stepchild.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stepchild. Accessed 7 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

stepchild

noun
step·​child ˈstep-ˌchīld How to pronounce stepchild (audio)
: a child of one's wife or husband by a former partner

More from Merriam-Webster on stepchild

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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