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 And when Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, who is Jewish, bounded on stage to join Harris at the Democratic National Convention, he was followed by her Jamaican Indian sister, white Gen Z stepchildren, Black brother-in-law and Indian auntie. Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2024 The future senator specifically included Vice President Kamala Harris — who has stepchildren but no biological children. Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 4 Sep. 2024 Harris, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, has two stepchildren with her husband, Doug Emhoff. Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 25 July 2024 Kerstin Emhoff, the mother of Harris’ stepchildren, and Harris’ stepdaughter, Ella Emhoff, both said this week that Harris is a present and supportive parent. Scottie Andrew, CNN, 27 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for stepchild 

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 13 Oct. 2024.

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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