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 Other conservative academics conceded that poverty existed, but still accused welfare of disintegrating the nuclear family. TIME, 5 Sep. 2024 The importance of the nuclear family extends beyond academic performance. Frederick G. Smith, Baltimore Sun, 4 Aug. 2024 This was a place where someone could weave through the crowd, between nuclear families and furries, showing off their gender-affirming top surgery without threat or contention. Joseph Gallivan, Axios, 22 July 2024 Suburbia also emphasized the nuclear family, with many people opting to spend time at home with close relatives rather than venture to third places to socialize. Devika Rao, theweek, 26 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for nuclear family 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nuclear family.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near nuclear family

Cite this Entry

“Nuclear family.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nuclear%20family. Accessed 18 Sep. 2024.

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

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