stepchild
noun
step·child
ˈstep-ˌchī(-ə)ld 
1
: a child of one's wife or husband by a former partner
2
: one that fails to receive proper care or attention
… is no longer a stepchild in the family of nations.—
F. R. Smith
F. R. SmithExamples of stepchild in a Sentence
The school has long been the forgotten stepchild of the state university system.
Recent Examples on the Web
Had a dependent child or stepchild who lived in your home throughout the year.
—
Nancy Ashburn,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
23 June 2026
The actress has six children, including stepchildren.
—
Rachel McRady,
PEOPLE,
10 June 2026
Decker is survived by his wife Colleen, son Matt Decker, brother Jim Decker and stepchildren Brian Godawa and Sarah Godawa, according to his obituary.
—
Allison Kiehl,
Chicago Tribune,
22 May 2026
Clifton Prescod / Bravo Wilson's father and Sweeney's mother are stepchildren of Gayle Wilson.
—
David K. Li,
NBC news,
29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stepchild
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Nancy Ashburn,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
23 June 2026
The actress has six children, including stepchildren.
—
Rachel McRady,
PEOPLE,
10 June 2026
Decker is survived by his wife Colleen, son Matt Decker, brother Jim Decker and stepchildren Brian Godawa and Sarah Godawa, according to his obituary.
—
Allison Kiehl,
Chicago Tribune,
22 May 2026
Clifton Prescod / Bravo Wilson's father and Sweeney's mother are stepchildren of Gayle Wilson.
—
David K. Li,
NBC news,
29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stepchild
Cite this Entry
“Stepchild.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stepchild. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
stepchild
noun
step·child
ˈstep-ˌchīld
: a child of one's wife or husband by a former partner
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