foster child

[ faw-ster chahyld, fos-ter ]

noun

1. a child raised by someone who is not their biological or adoptive parent.
2. a needy child, such as one living in an impoverished country, supported or aided by contribution to a specific charity.

foster child

noun

1. a child looked after temporarily or brought up by people other than its natural or adoptive parents

Word History and Origins

Origin of foster child¹

1150–1200; Middle English fostercild

Example Sentences

Monique Lewis has figured out a few tricks to lure her foster child to school.

From Los Angeles Times

“Just seeing the next generation, the reason why I’ve been more optimistic about having a foster child of my own, is about being able to see them grow.”

From Los Angeles Times

A former foster child who met his wife when he was 19, Major Haley has largely orbited her ambitions since.

From New York Times

Her husband said the couple had "never been without a foster child".

From BBC

The boy was aged 12 at the time of the incident and was a foster child in Mrs Grant's care.

From BBC

Related Words

• care