birth family

[burth fam-uh-lee, fam lee]

noun

1. one's biological parents and siblings, as contrasted with one's adoptive family.

Word History and Origins

Origin of birth family¹

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

“We have not let ourselves as a culture accept the fact that chosen family is family and in many cases it surpasses birth family.”

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Last year, she was contacted by social services who said that a member of Gabriella's birth family had tested positive for DRPLA.

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Alistair, 62, did not actively search for his birth family but often thought about them over the years.

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Foster carers provide a home to children who cannot live with their birth family for different reasons.

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“Paddington in Peru” is still incredibly touching in its story of acceptance from both one’s found family and birth family.

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