offspring

noun

off·​spring ˈȯf-ˌspriŋ How to pronounce offspring (audio)
plural offspring also offsprings
Synonyms of offspringnext
1
a
: the product of the reproductive processes of a person, animal, or plant : young, progeny
The disease can be transmitted from parent to offspring.
b
: the immediate descendant of a person or animal : an individual born of a parent
gave birth to a single offspring
"… He was becoming irascible as well, impatient—with me especially, because I was his only offspring [=child]. …"Anthony Hopkins
2
a
: product, result
… scholarly manuscripts—the labored offsprings of PhDs …Donna Martin
… the substitution of the typewriter and its offspring for the author's own hand.Jacques Barzun
b
: offshoot sense 1a
… you can hear this Caribbean club music, a hard-edged and party-heavy offspring of reggae …Lorraine Ali

Examples of offspring in a Sentence

The show is about two couples and the adventures of their rebellious offspring. The colt is the offspring of two racing champions.
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.
Hamlin wasn’t the only celebrity offspring to join, as Deacon Phillippe milled about with the rest of the crowd, between trays of hors d’oeuvres. James Manso, Footwear News, 20 May 2026 Its offspring included Erebus (Darkness) and Nyx, who goes on to produce Ker (destruction), Thanatos (death), and Oizys (pain), among many others. Literary Hub, 18 May 2026 Five of the pair's offspring are also at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Zoo Atlanta said. Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 15 May 2026 The swiftness with which Blondie was killed and the seeming lack of consideration for the fate of her offspring sparked outrage as, typically, cubs would remain close to their mother for the first 18 months of their life. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for offspring

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ofspring, from Old English, from of off + springan to spring

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of offspring was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Offspring.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/offspring. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

offspring

noun
off·​spring ˈȯf-ˌspriŋ How to pronounce offspring (audio)
plural offspring also offsprings
: the young of a person, animal, or plant

Medical Definition

offspring

noun
off·​spring ˈȯf-ˌspriŋ How to pronounce offspring (audio)
plural offspring also offsprings
: the progeny of an animal or plant : young

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