First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1foster
adjective fos·ter \ˈfȯs-tər, ˈfäs-\
—used to describe a situation in which for a period of time a child lives with and is cared for by people who are not the child's parents
Full Definition of FOSTER
: affording, receiving, or sharing nurture or parental care though not related by blood or legal ties
See foster defined for English-language learners
See foster defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of FOSTER
Middle English, from Old English fōstor-, from fōstor food, feeding; akin to Old English fōda food
2foster
verb
: to help (something) grow or develop
: to provide the care that a parent usually gives to a child : to be or become the foster parent of a child
fos·teredfos·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\
Full Definition of FOSTER
transitive verb
1
: to give parental care to : nurture
2
: to promote the growth or development of : encourage <fostered the college in its early years>
— fos·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun
See foster defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FOSTER
12th century
Related to FOSTER
Rhymes with FOSTER
Foster
biographical name Fos·ter \ˈfȯs-tər, ˈfäs-\
Definition of FOSTER
Stephen Collins 1826–1864 Am. songwriter
Foster
biographical name
Definition of FOSTER
William Z(ebulon) 1881–1961 Am. Communist
Foster
biographical name
Definition of FOSTER
William Zebulon 1881–1961 Am. Communist
FOSTERING Defined for Kids
1foster
adjective fos·ter \ˈfȯ-stər\
Definition of FOSTER for Kids
: giving, receiving, or offering parental care even though not related by blood or legal ties <a foster parent> <a foster child> <a foster home>
2foster
verb
fos·teredfos·ter·ing
Definition of FOSTER for Kids
1
: to give parental care to
2
: to help the growth and development of <We're trying to foster a sense of responsibility.>
Learn More About FOSTER
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up foster? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).