family reunification

American

[fam-uh-lee ree-yoo-nuh-fi-key-shuhn, fam-lee] / ˈfæm ə li riˌju nə fɪˈkeɪ ʃən, ˈfæm li /

noun

the act or process of bringing family members back together after a separation, especially the reuniting of spouses with each other, children with their parents, and elderly or dependent relatives with their caretakers.

Etymology

Origin of family reunification

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

María Corina Machado, emphasizing family reunification, won her primary with 93% support.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 6, 2026

Since 2023, Finland has introduced stricter requirements for obtaining asylum, residence permits, family reunification and citizenship, though it welcomes work-based immigration.

From Barron's • Nov. 1, 2025

So it was pretty clear at the time that this was not some grand, benevolent family reunification project.

From Slate • Sep. 13, 2025

“In California, child welfare services are administered by counties, who have broad discretion in how they design family reunification programs. Each county is unique and serves a unique population,” Mier said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 4, 2024

A family reunification centre has been set up at the Orange County Community College.

From BBC • Sep. 21, 2023

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023