scion

[ sahy-uhn ]

noun

1. a descendant or heir, especially of a wealthy or powerful family:

   She's a familiar face in this Wyoming town, the third-generation scion of a cattle-ranching family.

   The two men were scions of the most powerful dynasties in the world.

   Synonyms: progeny, offshoot, issue, child

2. Sometimes ci·on. a shoot or twig, especially one cut for grafting or planting; a cutting.

scion

/ ˈsaɪən /

noun

1. a descendant, heir, or young member of a family
2. a shoot or twig of a plant used to form a graft

scion

/ sī′ən /

1. A detached shoot or twig containing buds from a woody plant, used in grafting.

Word History and Origins

Origin of scion¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English: “shoot, twig,” from Old French cion, from Frankish kī- (unrecorded) + Old French -on, noun suffix; compare Old English cīnan, Old Saxon kīnan, Old High German chīnan “to sprout,” Old English cīth, Old Saxon kīth “sprout”

Word History and Origins

Origin of scion¹

C14: from Old French cion, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German chīnan to sprout

Example Sentences

But as 2024 loomed, the scion of America’s most famous Democratic family saw a way back into the public eye.

From Los Angeles Times

When the ne’er-do-well scion of a Russian oligarch sows his wild oats a little too enthusiastically with New York stripper Ani, some serious people are summoned.

From Los Angeles Times

After Shari Redstone nixed David Ellison’s proposed takeover, the tech scion and his partners continued to work to win over the Redstone family.

From Los Angeles Times

In August, Robert Kennedy Jr. — scion of one of the nation’s most storied Democratic families — announced he was dropping his long-shot bid for president and endorsing Trump.

From Los Angeles Times

They’re hedge fund operators, cryptocurrency and AI promoters, scions of and heirs to family fortunes, and others who have it all and want to keep it all.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• heir