orphan
0 antonyms and opposites of orphan, grouped by meaning.
Noun — A child whose parents have both died (or, more loosely, abandoned them).
How to use orphan
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Greek orphanós, "without parents," ultimately from a very old root shared with the Latin word for "orphaned" and the Old English word for "heir" — orphans, ironically, were once linked linguistically to inheritance.
Full origin of orphan →Frequently asked questions
What does “orphan” mean?
The word “orphan” means a child whose parents have both died (or, more loosely, abandoned them). In plain terms, a child with no living or present parents, or by extension anything left without its usual support.
How do you pronounce “orphan”?
“Orphan” is pronounced AW-fuhn (/ˈɔɹfən/ in IPA).
How do you use “orphan” in a sentence?
Here is “orphan” used in a sentence: “The charity funds a school for war orphans.”
What part of speech is “orphan”?
Depending on how it is used, “orphan” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “orphan” come from?
The word “orphan” comes from Latin.
Is “orphan” a common word?
“Orphan” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “orphan” have?
“Orphan” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a child whose parents have both died (or, more loosely, abandoned them).
What is the difference between an "orphan" and a "foster child"?
An "orphan" is a child whose parents have both died, or more loosely, who has been abandoned by them. A "foster child" is a child placed temporarily in someone else's care, regardless of whether their biological parents are alive, deceased, or simply unable to care for them.
Can "orphan" describe something other than a child?
Yes, "orphan" can describe something left without the support, source, or connection it depended on, used figuratively beyond its literal meaning of a parentless child. For example, a discontinued product line or an unsupported piece of software is sometimes called an "orphan."
Can "orphan" be used as a verb?
Yes, "to orphan" is a verb meaning to leave a child without parents, usually through death. It can also be used figuratively to describe leaving something without the support or connection it depended on, such as a project being "orphaned" when its lead developer leaves.