adoption
noun
adop·tion
ə-ˈdäp-shən 
plural adoptions
1
: the act or process of adopting someone or something: such as
a
: the act or process of adopting a child
couples who are interested in adoption
About three-quarters of private domestic adoptions are now "open," involving some degree of ongoing contact between adoptive parents, adoptees and the birth family …—
Sydney Trent
Sydney Trent
b
: the act or process of adopting an animal as a pet
dogs and cats available for adoption
The global pandemic saw a boom in pet adoptions …—scoop.co.nz
scoop.co.nz
c
: the act of beginning to practice or use something
the adoption of new technology
The versatility of the henley shirt can be seen in its early adoption by rowers and how it has been worn since.—Emma Fraser
Emma Fraser
d
: the act or process of giving official acceptance or approval to something
the adoption of measures to reduce emissions
2
: the state or condition of being adopted
She is their daughter by adoption.
Examples of adoption in a Sentence
the company wants to speed up its adoption of new technology.
Our adoption of local customs has gone slowly.
The lawyer has handled countless adoptions.
children who are available for adoption
the unanimous adoption of the resolution by the Senate
Recent Examples on the Web
It is expected to continue opposing the adoption of the new name.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
Moreover, public confidence fostered by robust risk management has been essential for widespread adoption of transformative technologies.
—Henry Papadatos, TIME, 10 Feb. 2025
Dramatic shifts in television platforms, production and technology — including the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence — have spurred the nonprofit organization to boost its role advocating for its diverse membership by taking a deeper look at public policy that affects the industry.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2025
There is a backlash against their adoption from people who are trying to promote more traditional gender values.
—The Dial, 6 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for adoption 
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Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
Moreover, public confidence fostered by robust risk management has been essential for widespread adoption of transformative technologies.
—Henry Papadatos, TIME, 10 Feb. 2025
Dramatic shifts in television platforms, production and technology — including the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence — have spurred the nonprofit organization to boost its role advocating for its diverse membership by taking a deeper look at public policy that affects the industry.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2025
There is a backlash against their adoption from people who are trying to promote more traditional gender values.
—The Dial, 6 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for adoption
Dictionary Entries Near adoption
Cite this Entry
“Adoption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adoption. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
adoption
noun
adop·tion
ə-ˈdäp-shən
: the act of adopting : the state of being adopted
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