foster parent

noun

plural foster parents

1

: a person temporarily serving as a parent for a child who has lost or been removed from a parent's care and who is not the person's own biological child

specifically, US : such a person who has been trained and approved by a government or social-service agency

Many foster parents … continue to act selflessly as important way stations for at-risk kids while their biological parents get their lives together.

—Timothy Roche

Foster parents adopt children in Ventura County [California] more often than relatives do.

—Stephanie Hoops

2

a

: a person temporarily caring for an animal (such as one that is injured or awaiting adoption)

The 36-year-old Owosso [Michigan] native became a foster parent to dogs through the shelter five years ago.

—Anamaria Dickerson

b

: an animal caring for an unrelated offspring

Cowbirds deposit their eggs in the nests of other birds, and unknowing foster parents raise baby cowbirds along with their own young.

—The Tuscaloosa (Alabama) News

Tom hoped the little eaglet could be placed into an active nest, adopted and raised by wild foster parents, and could ultimately fly free.

—Massachusetts Wildlife

Examples of foster parent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Thankfully, her foster parent saw her story on social media. —Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024

Residing with her German foster parents on the outskirts of Munich, Liesel forges a close bond with her foster father, Hans Hubermann, who teaches her how to read and write, kindling a passion for books. —Boutayna Chokrane, Vogue, 21 Dec. 2024

The parent, foster parent, guardian or tribal representative of a child subjected to this punishment also would be notified. —Tribune News Service, Boston Herald, 29 Aug. 2024

Linda Cardellini co-stars as the social worker trying to find foster parents for them while the unlikely dad gets put through the wringer. —Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 13 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined at sense 1