stepchild
noun
a child of one's spouse by a previous marriage.
stepchildren
-
pluralof stepchild.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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.
I was 39, already twice divorced and desperate to outrun the pain of losing my husband and three stepchildren just five months prior.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 28, 2026
Even if he made no will, his share would automatically go to his children, because stepchildren are not regarded as legal heirs under the law.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 22, 2026
At the time, she had a five-month-old baby and two stepchildren.
From BBC ● May 5, 2026
After a fall shatters his ankle, his stepchildren dump him with his daughter.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 30, 2026
Children who are entitled to compensation as dependents include stepchildren, illegitimate children, children adopted by the workman, also posthumous, legitimate and illegitimate.
From Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman by Albert Sidney Bolles
