filial

adjective fil·ial \ˈfi-lē-əl, ˈfil-yəl\

: of or relating to a son or daughter : appropriate for a son or daughter

Full Definition of FILIAL

: of, relating to, or befitting a son or daughter <filial obedience>

: having or assuming the relation of a child or offspring

— fil·ial·ly \-lē-ə-lē, -yə-lē\ adverb

See filial defined for English-language learners

See filial defined for kids

Middle English, from Late Latin filialis, from Latin filius son — more at feminine

First Known Use: 14th century

FILIAL Defined for Kids

adjective fil·ial \ˈfi-lē-əl, ˈfil-yəl\

: relating to or suitable for a son or daughter <filial affection>

Next Word in the Dictionary: filial generationPrevious Word in the Dictionary: fili-All Words Near: filial

What made you want to look up filial? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears