child

¹

[chahyld]

noun

plural

children 

1. a person between birth and puberty or full growth.

   books for children.

2. a son or daughter; offspring considered with regard to parents.

   All my children are married.

3. a baby or infant.

   A child of six months can recognize family members.

4. a human fetus.

   My sister is seven months pregnant with a healthy child.

5. a childish person.

   He's such a child about money.

6. a descendant.

   a child of an ancient breed.

7. any person or thing regarded as the product or result of particular agencies, influences, etc..

   Abstract art is a child of the 20th century.

8. a person regarded as conditioned or marked by a given circumstance, situation, etc..

   a child of poverty; a child of famine.

9. British Dialect, Archaic.,  a female infant.

10. Archaic.,  childe.

Child

²

[chahyld]

noun

1. Julia, 1912–2004, U.S. gourmet cook, author, and television personality.

2. Lydia Maria (Francis), 1802–80, U.S. author, abolitionist, and social reformer.

child

/ tʃaɪld /

noun

1. 1. a boy or girl between birth and puberty

   2. ( as modifier )

      child labour

2. a baby or infant

3. an unborn baby

4. another term for pregnant

5. a human offspring; a son or daughter

6. a childish or immature person

7. a member of a family or tribe; descendant

   a child of Israel

8. a person or thing regarded as the product of an influence or environment

   a child of nature

9. dialect,  a female infant

Other Word Forms

• childless adjective
• childlessness noun
• childly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of child¹

First recorded before 950; Middle English; Old English cild; akin to Gothic kilthai “womb”

Word History and Origins

Origin of child¹

Old English cild; related to Gothic kilthei womb, Sanskrit jathara belly, jartu womb

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. with child, pregnant.

   She's with child.

More idioms and phrases containing child

• second childhood

Example Sentences

In addition to the amenities found in the unit, the apartment building itself also offers residents the use of a number of communal spaces, including a children’s playroom and an expansive rooftop.

Read more on MarketWatch

The couple’s two children are usually game for leftovers, too, and Schlesinger isn’t shy about relaying how much effort goes into making them appetizing.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Its creators were first-time show runners, unknown young actors were cast in lead roles, and even though the show starred kids, it was not for children.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

At the time of the inquest, Mrs Griffiths was pregnant with her third child, who is now eight.

Read more on BBC

The suspect resided in the state of Washington with his wife and five children.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• baby 
• boy 
• daughter 
• girl 
• juvenile 
• kid 
• minor 
• offspring 
• son 
• youngster 
• youth