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.
Yet Marling is transfixed not by the individualism of the nuclear family, but the patterns that transcend generations. Pitchfork, 3 Dec. 2024 Many of those parents have grown cynical about politicians of all stripes, but now have hope that Trump will pursue policies that edify, rather than undermine, the nuclear family. Chad Williams, National Review, 30 Nov. 2024 The nuclear family, defined as a family group consisting of two parents and their children, provides a stable environment that supports a child’s education. Frederick G. Smith, Baltimore Sun, 4 Aug. 2024 As part of their campaign to Make America Great Again, the Republican party has promised a return to the good ol’ days of strong nuclear families. John Riley, USA TODAY, 16 Nov. 2024 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

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 22 Dec. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!