Daughter: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word when referring to a female child in relation to her parents.

• She is a loving daughter
• My daughter has a great sense of humor

This term is gender-neutral and is used to refer to a young person who is not yet an adult, or someone’s son or daughter.

• Every child deserves a good education
• The child was playing in the park

This is a formal or scientific term used to refer to someone's children or the young of an animal. It can sound distant or impersonal, and might sometimes have a slightly negative tone.

• The dog protected its offspring
• They are proud of their offspring’s achievements

This word generally refers to a female child or young woman, typically before she becomes an adult.

• The girl won the spelling bee competition
• There was a little girl with curly hair at the playground

Used to refer to a female child in relation to her parents.

• She is their only daughter
• They took their daughter to the park

Refers to someone who is the offspring of a particular person or family line, typically from generations ago.

• He is a direct descendant of the ancient kings
• Many people in the village are descendants of the original settlers

Used metaphorically to describe a thing that develops from something else, like a branch or subdivision.

• The new company is an offshoot of a larger corporation
• Modern languages can be seen as offshoots of ancient languages

Specifically refers to a person who is legally entitled to inherit someone’s property or title after that person dies.

• He was named the sole heir to his uncle’s fortune
• The young prince is the heir to the throne