nuclear family

noun

: a family group that consists only of parents and children

Examples of nuclear family 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.
People who got married were expected to eventually have children and raise a nuclear family that contributed to society. Mark Travers, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 Trump has made the traditional nuclear family a touchstone of domestic policy. Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 4 Mar. 2025 We aren’t treated to a valorization of the nuclear family, or an African spin on resurgent tradwifery, or a paeon to the miracles of motherhood. Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2025 Musk's decision to father children with multiple women has attracted criticism from some social conservatives, who believe in the nuclear family centered around a mother and father. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nuclear family

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nuclear family was in 1924

Cite this Entry

“Nuclear family.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nuclear%20family. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

nuclear family

noun
: a family group that consists only of father, mother, and children

Medical Definition

nuclear family

noun
: a family group that consists only of father, mother, and children see extended family

More from Merriam-Webster on nuclear family

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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