birth family

[ burth fam-uh-lee, fam lee ]

noun

1. one's biological parents and siblings, as contrasted with one's adoptive family.

Word History and Origins

Origin of birth family¹

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

It is a permanent break between a child and their birth family, and alters the child's identity forever.

From BBC

Most adopted children grow up without seeing or knowing any of their birth family.

From BBC

While meeting birth family can be very positive for some adopted children, face-to-face meetings aren’t good for all children in this position.

From BBC

Children can trace their birth family online - and some will go and meet them.

From BBC

In 2021 one couple told the BBC it was “devastating” to see their two adopted sons turn against them and get drawn into crime, after they had been reunited with their birth family.

From BBC