English Explanatory Dictionary

stepchild

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. The child of one's spouse from a previous relationship.
  2. A bereaved child; one who has lost father or mother.

Pronunciation

/ˈstɛp.tʃaɪld/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-stepchild.wav

Word forms

stepchild stepchildren step-child

Etymology

From Middle English stepchild, stepchyld, from Old English stēopċild (“stepchild”), equivalent to step- + child. Compare Dutch stiefkind (“stepchild”), German Stiefkind (“stepchild”), Swedish styvbarn (“stepchild”).

Synonyms

stepbairn stepkid step orphan

Antonyms

stepparent

Related words

half-sibling half-brother half-sister step-grandchild step-grandson step-granddaughter step-niece step-nephew step-cousin

Derived words

red-headed stepchild stepchildhood
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