verb
Common
foster
FOS-tuh
Foster (verb) means to raise or care for a child who is not biologically one's own. Example: “They've fostered several children over the years.”
verb
1
To raise or care for a child who is not biologically one's own.
"They've fostered several children over the years."
"My aunt wants to foster a teenager who needs a safe, steady home."
"Would you ever consider fostering a child from your local area?"
2
To help something grow or develop, such as a skill, relationship, or idea.
"The teacher tried to foster a love of reading in her students."
"The program fosters cooperation between local businesses."
"Good managers foster trust by listening carefully to everyone on the team."
adj
1
Describing a family relationship based on care rather than blood, as in foster parent or foster child.
"She grew up in a loving foster family."
"The boy has lived with his foster parents since he was six."
"Their foster daughter calls them Mum and Dad, though they are not related."
How to use foster
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo care for and help someone or something grow, whether a child or an idea.
Common pairings
foster care
foster parent
foster growth
foster a relationship
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Word forms
- Plural
- fosters
- Third person singular
- fosters
- Past tense
- fostered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They've _____ several children over the years.
Etymology
From Old English fostor, "food, nourishment" — the idea of feeding and raising broadened into the modern sense of caring for someone.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for foster
See all rhymes for foster →Frequently asked questions
What does “foster” mean?
The word “foster” means to raise or care for a child who is not biologically one's own. In plain terms, to care for and help someone or something grow, whether a child or an idea.
How do you pronounce “foster”?
“Foster” is pronounced FOS-tuh (/ˈfɔ.stɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “foster” in a sentence?
Here is “foster” used in a sentence: “They've fostered several children over the years.”
What is the opposite of “foster”?
The opposite of “foster” — its antonyms — is hamper.
What part of speech is “foster”?
Depending on how it is used, “foster” can be a verb and an adjective.
Where does the word “foster” come from?
The word “foster” comes from Old English. From Old English fostor, "food, nourishment" — the idea of feeding and raising broadened into the modern sense of caring for someone.
Is “foster” a common word?
“Foster” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “foster” have?
“Foster” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to raise or care for a child who is not biologically one's own.
What is the difference between 'foster' and 'adopt'?
To foster a child is to care for them without becoming their legal parent, usually as a temporary arrangement, while to adopt is to become their permanent legal parent. Fostering can lead to adoption, but the two are legally distinct.
What is the difference between 'foster' and 'nurture'?
Both involve helping something grow, but 'nurture' emphasises ongoing care and nourishment, while 'foster' emphasises actively encouraging development or bringing something about. You foster cooperation and nurture a plant, though the words often overlap.
When should you use 'foster' instead of 'encourage'?
Use 'foster' when you mean to actively help something develop over time, such as fostering innovation or trust. 'Encourage' is broader and can simply mean giving support or confidence in a single moment.
Can 'foster' be used as an adjective?
Yes. 'Foster' acts as a modifier in terms like 'foster parent,' 'foster child,' and 'foster care,' describing the caregiving relationship rather than a biological or adoptive one.
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