First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
child
noun, often attributive \ˈchī(-ə)ld\
: a young person
: a son or daughter
: an adult who acts like a child : a childlike or childish person
plural chil·dren \ˈchil-drən, -dərn\
Full Definition of CHILD
1
a : an unborn or recently born person b dial : a female infant
2
3
usually childe \ˈchī(-ə)ld\ archaic : a youth of noble birth
4
a : a son or daughter of human parents b : descendant
5
: one strongly influenced by another or by a place or state of affairs
See child defined for English-language learners
See child defined for kids
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Origin of CHILD
Middle English, from Old English cild; akin to Gothic kilthei womb, and perhaps to Sanskrit jaṭhara belly
Related to CHILD
Child
biographical name \ˈchī(-ə)ld\
Definition of CHILD
Francis James 1825–1896 Am. ballad editor
Child
biographical name
Definition of CHILD
Julia (Carolyn) 1912–2004 née McWilliams Am. chef
WITH CHILD Defined for Kids
child
noun \ˈchīld\
plural chil·dren \ˈchil-drən\
Definition of CHILD for Kids
1
: an unborn or recently born person
2
: a young person of either sex between infancy and youth
3
: a son or daughter of any age <My children are grown now.>
Medical Dictionary
child
noun \ˈchī(ə)ld\
plural chil·dren \ˈchil-drən, -dərn\
Medical Definition of CHILD
1
: an unborn or recently born person
2
: a young person especially between infancy and youth
—with child
: pregnant
Learn More About CHILD
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Next Word in the Dictionary: childbearingPrevious Word in the Dictionary: ChilcotinAll Words Near: child
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