foster child
Americannoun
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a child raised by someone who is not their biological or adoptive parent.
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a needy child, such as one living in an impoverished country, supported or aided by contribution to a specific charity.
noun
Etymology
Origin of foster child
1150–1200; Middle English fostercild
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.
At first, Sharon and Tim had "some very difficult times" with the foster child, who the BBC is not naming.
From BBC • Apr. 5, 2025
“Just seeing the next generation, the reason why I’ve been more optimistic about having a foster child of my own, is about being able to see them grow.”
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 11, 2024
From his time as a foster child, Saka said: “I know what it’s like to feel uprooted and swept away.”
From Seattle Times • Jun. 30, 2023
Him being a foster child feels like a significant piece of things.
From New York Times • Jun. 14, 2023
Meanwhile, I'm a temporary substitute, a foster child.
From "What the Night Sings" by Vesper Stamper
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.