adoptee

noun

adopt·​ee ə-ˌdäp-ˈtē How to pronounce adoptee (audio)
: one who is adopted

Examples of adoptee in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many adoptees have returned to their birth country in recent years, campaigning tirelessly for South Korea to come to terms with one of the most shameful legacies of its modern history. Choe Sang-Hun, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025 The adoptees hail from 11 different countries – and many believed their adoptions could have been the result of corruption and malpractice, suspicions that have swirled among the Korean adoptee community for years. Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2025 Hannah Cho Courtesy of Warner Media An Update On Our Family shines a light on the psychological issues transnational adoptees can experience. Rachel Brodsky, TIME, 15 Jan. 2025 Her short film, FOUND is being used to start conversations within the transracial adoptee community, and TOO MANY BODIES was supported by NoRAnow.org and Survivors Empowered, advocating for gun reform. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adoptee

Word History

Etymology

adopt + -ee entry 1

First Known Use

1804, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of adoptee was in 1804

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Adoptee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adoptee. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.

Legal Definition

adoptee

noun
adopt·​ee ə-ˌdäp-ˈtē How to pronounce adoptee (audio)
: a person who is adopted

More from Merriam-Webster on adoptee

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