stepchild

American  

[step-chahyld] / ˈstɛpˌtʃaɪld /

noun

plural

stepchildren

1. a child of one's spouse by a previous marriage.

2. any person, organization, affiliate, project, etc., that is not properly treated, supported, or appreciated.

   This agency is the stepchild when appropriations are handed out.

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stepchild British  

/ ˈstɛpˌtʃaɪld /

noun

1. a stepson or stepdaughter

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Etymology

Origin of stepchild

before 1000; Middle English; Old English stēopcild. See step-, child

Example Sentences

The stepchildren’s feelings and behavior remain the great unknown question mark hanging over your head, as your husband rightly alluded to.

From MarketWatch

It’s not the place where she lived for 32 years and raised five children and three stepchildren.

From Los Angeles Times

To try to avoid drama later, they also can define who even counts as family, such as stepchildren.

From The Wall Street Journal

He is survived by his daughter, Victoria, from his first marriage; four stepchildren from his fourth marriage, all of whom called him Dad; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

From Los Angeles Times

Loe is survived by six stepchildren in addition to her daughter, according to the Guardian.

From Los Angeles Times