Offspring: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to denote the young of any species, particularly in biological or zoological contexts, and can include plants and animals.

• The scientist studied the offspring of the endangered bird species.

Refers to human young individuals in general, commonly used in everyday language and family contexts.

• She loves spending time with her children at the park.
• The school bus picks up children every morning.

Typically denotes descendants or the new generation, often used in a more formal or scientific context.

• The gardener was proud of the progeny of her prize-winning roses.
• The scientist observed the genetic traits in the progeny of the experimental mice.

Refers to the early stages of life in animals and humans, often used in casual conversation.

• The mother lioness fiercely protected her young.
• These books are very popular among the young.

Implies future generations, often used in a formal or historical context to talk about the inheritance of cultural, social, or physical assets.

• We must protect the environment for posterity.
• The monument was built for posterity to remember the brave soldiers.

Commonly used in both everyday and more formal language to describe the children of a person, animal, or plant. It can refer to both immediate children and descendants in general.

• The dog and her offspring played in the yard.
• Parents always wish the best for their offspring.

Typically used in a more formal or genealogical context to refer to all individuals who are directly related to an ancestor, including future generations.

• She is a descendant of a famous inventor.
• The family reunion included descendants from several generations.

Often used in a metaphorical sense to describe something that develops from something else, such as branches from a plant or subsidiary organizations deriving from a main one. It is not typically used to refer to human children.

• The new software company is an offshoot of the university’s research lab.
• They studied the various offshoots of the ancient tree.

Mostly used in a formal or literary context to describe young members of a prominent or influential family, often with an emphasis on inheritance and lineage.

• He is the scion of a wealthy aristocratic family.
• The young scion was groomed to take over the family business.