orphan
noun
a child who has lost both parents through death, or, less commonly, one parent.
orphaning
-
present participleof orphan.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
Within these confines, COVID-19 advanced without mercy: orphaning children, killing breadwinners and shattering families.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 19, 2022
“The biggest fear around spring bear season is the orphaning of cubs, that’s a very emotional argument. Even as a hunter, my worse fear would be to take a sow. Especially in a spring season.”
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 14, 2021
In Texas, Lydia Rodriguez, 42, died this month of covid-19, two weeks after her husband Lawrence’s death from the same disease, orphaning their four children.
From Washington Post ● Aug. 28, 2021
Her husband succumbed to the virus as well, orphaning their newborn.
From Fox News ● Aug. 10, 2020
Since the orphaning and especially since the blindness of Louise, Henriette cared for her with a love overwhelming as that of a mother for her helpless baby.
From Orphans of the Storm by Henry MacMahon
