adoption

noun

adop·​tion ə-ˈdäp-shən 

plural adoptions

1

: the act or process of adopting someone or something: such as

a

: the act or process of adopting a child

couples who are interested in adoption

About three-quarters of private domestic adoptions are now "open," involving some degree of ongoing contact between adoptive parents, adoptees and the birth family …

—Sydney Trent

b

: the act or process of adopting an animal as a pet

dogs and cats available for adoption

The global pandemic saw a boom in pet adoptions …

—scoop.co.nz

c

: the act of beginning to practice or use something

the adoption of new technology

The versatility of the henley shirt can be seen in its early adoption by rowers and how it has been worn since.

—Emma Fraser

d

: the act or process of giving official acceptance or approval to something

the adoption of measures to reduce emissions

2

: the state or condition of being adopted

She is their daughter by adoption.

Examples of adoption in a Sentence

the company wants to speed up its adoption of new technology.

Our adoption of local customs has gone slowly.

The lawyer has handled countless adoptions.

children who are available for adoption

the unanimous adoption of the resolution by the Senate

Recent Examples on the Web

Rhimes welcomed daughter Emerson through adoption in 2012, daughter Beckett through surrogacy in 2013, and Harper through adoption in 2002. —Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026

The shelter also had problems serving the existing community, taking in fewer animals due to difficulties moving them through adoption or rescue, and placing greater emphasis on caring for sick or injured animals. —Devan Patel, Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2026

Nondairy drinks such as fortified soy milk may also be on the menu in the coming months following the adoption of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which cleared Congress in the fall. —CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026

If the company doesn’t see the right adoption or outcomes for these tools, Thumu says Expedia is quick to reassess and adjust its approach. —John Kell, Fortune, 14 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English adopcioun, borrowed from Anglo-French adopciun, borrowed from Latin adoptiōn-, adoptiō, from ad- ad- + optiōn-, optiō "right to choose, choice, option entry 1"

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing adoption

• open adoption
• put/give the baby up for adoption

Rhymes for adoption

• option

Kids Definition

adoption

noun

adop·​tion ə-ˈdäp-shən 

: the act of adopting : the state of being adopted