Child: meaning, definitions and examples

General term for a young human, suitable for most formal and informal contexts. Can refer to someone from birth to just before teenage years.

• She is a bright child who loves to read.
• Every child deserves a good education.

Informal term for a young child, often used in casual conversations. Can refer roughly to someone from birth to early teens.

• The kids are playing in the backyard.
• Do you have any kids?

Typically refers to young people in their teenage years or early twenties. Often used in discussions about social issues, education, or activities for young people.

• There are many programs for the youth in our community.
• Youth today are very tech-savvy.

Specifically refers to a very young child, typically under the age of one year. Used in medical, formal, or technical contexts.

• The infant was sleeping soundly in the crib.
• Infant care can be quite demanding for new parents.

Commonly used in everyday language to refer to a son or daughter, especially when they are young.

• She walked her child to school every morning
• The child enjoyed playing in the park

Scientific or formal term used to refer to the young or progeny of living organisms, including humans.

• The bird fed its offspring small insects
• Scientists studied the offspring of the hybrid plants

Formal and often literary term to refer to the descendants or offspring of a person, animal, or plant.

• The duke's progeny carried on the family legacy
• Farmers were proud of the progeny of their prized cattle

Used in formal or historical contexts to describe someone who is descended from a particular ancestor.

• She is a descendant of a famous king
• The family reunion brought together many descendants of the original settlers

Use this word when referring to a young human, typically used in everyday speaking or writing to describe someone's son or daughter.

• She took her child to the park
• The child was playing with his friends

This word is commonly used in literature or formal contexts to describe the act of giving birth. It has an old-fashioned or poetic tone.

• She will bear a strong and healthy baby
• The prince was his mother's firstborn bearer

Often used in medical or clinical settings to talk about the process of helping someone give birth. It can also be used more broadly for bringing forth something.

• The doctor helped deliver the baby
• She delivered a beautiful baby girl

Mainly used in scientific or agricultural contexts to talk about the creation or yielding of offspring, products, or results. It is less personal and more technical.

• The farm aims to produce high-quality livestock
• The laboratory mice are expected to produce offspring