WordGarden.iostepchild
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /stˈɛptʃaɪld/
US
- /ˈstɛpˌtʃaɪld/
Meanings
Noun
a child of one's spouse or partner from an earlier relationship
a person or thing treated as neglected or lower priority
Beyond the definition
A stepchild is the child of your husband or wife from an earlier relationship, not your own biological child. The word is usually used when people talk about blended families and the new family ties that form after marriage. It can appear in everyday family stories, in conversations about parenting, or in discussions about how a child adjusts to a new home life. The meaning is simple and direct: it names the relationship, while the feelings between the people involved can be close, distant, loving, or difficult.
The word "stepchild" refers to the child of your husband or wife from a previous relationship. The child is not your own biological child, but becomes part of your family through marriage. The term is mainly used in the context of blended families, where adults and children build new family relationships after a marriage.
The usage of "stepchild" is almost always family-related. You would not use it for just any child; it specifically describes the relationship between a parent by marriage and that child. It may appear in legal or official contexts, but it is more often found in personal stories, everyday conversation, or discussions about family life.
For example: "She raised her stepchild with patience and love." Or, "It took time for the stepchild to feel at home in the new family." The term can also be used in a metaphorical way, though less often, to describe someone or something that gets less care, attention, or support than others. For example: "That department has long been the stepchild of the company."
Overall, "stepchild" is a clear family word. It does not describe how good or bad the relationship is; it simply names a child who becomes part of a family through a parent's marriage. Depending on the context, the word may appear in warm family stories, difficult family situations, or metaphorical comparisons about unequal treatment.
Examples
- 1
Family relationship
She worked hard to earn the trust of her new stepchild.
- 2
Family members
The invitation included all of his children and stepchildren.
- 3
Figurative neglect
Small towns are often treated as the stepchildren of national politics.
- Patternthe stepchild of + system
the part that gets less care or attention
See also
Similar
- spouse's child
- partner's child
Shades of meaning
- bonus child
Contrast
- biological child
- adopted child
Do not confuse
- foster child
Used with (collocations)
- stepchild and stepparent
- stepchild of a previous marriage
- treat someone like a stepchild
Word family
- stepchildren
- step-
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- stepchildnoun
Forms
- stepchildrenpluralnoun