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foster father

American  

noun

  1. a man who takes the place of a father in raising a child.


foster father British  

noun

  1. a man who looks after or brings up a child or children as a father, in place of the natural or adoptive father

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of foster father

before 900; Middle English; Old English

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.

See Examples For:

When a psychologically damaged mute boy named Simon breaks into her tower, she is pulled into his life as well as that of his Maori foster father, Joe.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 6, 2026

Busayo Cole, who was once a Christian and had a foster father who was an Anglican bishop, said his family is indifferent about his religious status.

From Seattle Times Oct. 4, 2023

He in effect becomes her foster father, but never in official terms, which raises one teacher’s suspicion.

From New York Times Apr. 27, 2023

After reconciling with his foster father, he reported for duty on July 1, 1830, at the military academy overlooking the Hudson River.

From Washington Post Jan. 19, 2023

“In the foster home before last. My foster father did sumpin’ with computers.

From "Girls Like Us" by Gail Giles

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