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.
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 The images predominantly showed white, slim, and non-disabled people in heterosexual, nuclear families cycling in quiet, green locations without buildings, motor traffic, pedestrians, or cycle infrastructure. Carlton Reid, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024 For decades, conservatives like Vance have criticized welfare programs under the guise of defending the nuclear family. TIME, 5 Sep. 2024 It’s populated largely by white people, most of whom are grouped off into tidy nuclear families. Dan Sheehan, Rolling Stone, 4 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 2 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
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