foster care

noun

: a situation in which for a period of time a child lives with and is cared for by a foster parent
children placed in foster care

Examples of foster care in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In 1939, five children are in foster care in Memphis, Tennessee, trying their hardest to stick together. Amanda Favazza, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2026 People who were placed in foster care also qualify, the state agency said. Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 5 Feb. 2026 Wednesday's Child has helped find homes for hundreds of waiting children and continues to raise awareness about adoption from foster care. CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026 Child welfare agencies place about a third in a relative’s home through kinship foster care. Jayme Fraser, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026 After the extent of David and Louise's crimes were revealed, several of the Turpin children — who ranged from 2 to 29 at the time of their rescue — were placed in foster care, where many of them were abused by their foster family. Stephanie Kaloi, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026 During the time the children were in ChildNet's foster care program, there were no complaints or allegations of abuse or neglect regarding their foster placement. ABC News, 3 Feb. 2026 Veterans, unhoused people and people 24 and younger who recently aged out of foster care are also no longer exempt from the work requirements. Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 3 Feb. 2026 Volunteer with Court Appointed Special Advocates that support children in foster care. Claire Osborn, Austin American Statesman, 3 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of foster care was in 1899

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Cite this Entry

“Foster care.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foster%20care. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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