adoption
noun
adop·tion
ə-ˈdäp-shən 
plural adoptions
1
: the act or process of adopting someone or something: such as
a
: the act or process of adopting a child
couples who are interested in adoption
About three-quarters of private domestic adoptions are now "open," involving some degree of ongoing contact between adoptive parents, adoptees and the birth family …—
Sydney Trent
Sydney Trent
b
: the act or process of adopting an animal as a pet
dogs and cats available for adoption
The global pandemic saw a boom in pet adoptions …—scoop.co.nz
scoop.co.nz
c
: the act of beginning to practice or use something
the adoption of new technology
The versatility of the henley shirt can be seen in its early adoption by rowers and how it has been worn since.—Emma Fraser
Emma Fraser
d
: the act or process of giving official acceptance or approval to something
the adoption of measures to reduce emissions
2
: the state or condition of being adopted
She is their daughter by adoption.
Examples of adoption in a Sentence
the company wants to speed up its adoption of new technology.
Our adoption of local customs has gone slowly.
The lawyer has handled countless adoptions.
children who are available for adoption
the unanimous adoption of the resolution by the Senate
Recent Examples on the Web
The road to widespread adoption and business success is still looking long, twisty and full of roadblocks, say tech executives, technologists and financial analysts.
—Gerrit De Vynck, Washington Post, 18 Apr. 2024
In Europe, China and other countries around the world, governments have introduced policies designed to spur the adoption and production of electric vehicles.
—David Gelles, New York Times, 16 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for adoption 
Gerrit De Vynck, Washington Post, 18 Apr. 2024
In Europe, China and other countries around the world, governments have introduced policies designed to spur the adoption and production of electric vehicles.
—David Gelles, New York Times, 16 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for adoption
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'adoption.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near adoption
Cite this Entry
“Adoption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adoption. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
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adoption
noun
adop·tion
ə-ˈdäp-shən
: the act of adopting : the state of being adopted
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