foster child

American  

[faw-ster chahyld, fos-ter] / ˈfɔ stər ˈtʃaɪld, ˈfɒs tər /

noun

1. a child raised by someone who is not their biological or adoptive parent.

2. a needy child, such as one living in an impoverished country, supported or aided by contribution to a specific charity.

---

foster child British  

noun

1. a child looked after temporarily or brought up by people other than its natural or adoptive parents

---

Etymology

Origin of foster child

1150–1200; Middle English fostercild

Example Sentences

She said she believed the theft may have been a part of a coping mechanism and likened herself to a foster child who may hoard items or food as a means of soothing themselves.

From Los Angeles Times

When Allan's foster child arrived, he was "scared, very unsure - not knowing how long it's going to last".

From BBC

Rob Claxton-Ingham, who lives on a croft with his husband, said the future was uncertain as he doesn't know where his foster child will attend secondary school.

From BBC

Monique Lewis has figured out a few tricks to lure her foster child to school.

From Los Angeles Times

“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

Related Words

• care