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noun

stepson

STEHP-suhn

Stepson (noun) means a boy or man who is the son of your spouse from an earlier relationship. Example: “He treats his stepson exactly like his own child.”

noun
1
A boy or man who is the son of your spouse from an earlier relationship.
"He treats his stepson exactly like his own child."
"Her stepson just started university this year."

How to use stepson

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA spouse's son from a previous relationship.

Common pairings
his stepson her stepson

Word forms

stepsons plural

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He treats his _____ exactly like his own child.

Etymology

From Old English steopsunu, combining step- (gained through remarriage) with son.

Origin: Old English

Frequently asked questions

What does “stepson” mean?

The word “stepson” means a boy or man who is the son of your spouse from an earlier relationship. In plain terms, a spouse's son from a previous relationship.

How do you pronounce “stepson”?

“Stepson” is pronounced STEHP-suhn (/ˈstɛpsʌn/ in IPA).

How do you use “stepson” in a sentence?

Here is “stepson” used in a sentence: “He treats his stepson exactly like his own child.”

What part of speech is “stepson”?

“Stepson” is a noun.

Where does the word “stepson” come from?

The word “stepson” comes from Old English. From Old English steopsunu, combining step- (gained through remarriage) with son.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial