stepsister

[ step-sis-ter ]

noun

1. one's stepfather's or stepmother's daughter by a previous marriage.

stepsister

/ ˈstɛpˌsɪstə /

noun

1. a daughter of one's stepmother or stepfather by a union with someone other than one's father or mother respectively

Word History and Origins

Origin of stepsister¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; step-, sister

Example Sentences

During Chavez’s criminal trial, her biological children testified about being forced to restrain their stepsister to a bed so Chavez could continue to abuse her, according to the D.A.’s office.

From Los Angeles Times

“From the day Michael was born he could sing. That was his ordained life, and once he found out what his niche was, that was what he did,” said Ruby Washington, Mr. Watford’s stepsister.

From New York Times

In 2019, another right-wing extremist killed his stepsister and then opened fire in a mosque but was overpowered before anyone there was injured.

From Seattle Times

Toddlers eventually wear themselves out when they throw tantrums, and your stepsister will too.

From Slate

My father finally put a key lock on my room so my stepsister can’t get in and I keep all my bathroom stuff in a caddy.

From Slate

Related Words

• aunt
• cousin
• father
• folk
• mother
• niece
• sibling
• uncle