n. (pl. children) 1 a a young human being below the age of puberty. b an unborn or newborn human being. 2 one's son or daughter (at any age). 3 (foll. by of) a descendant, follower, adherent, or product of (children of Israel; child of God; child of nature). 4 a childish person. child abuse maltreatment of a child, esp. by physical violence or sexual interference. child benefit (in the UK) regular payment by the State to the parents of a child up to a certain age. child care the care of children, esp. by a local authority. child-minder a person who looks after children for payment. child's play an easy task. childless adj. childlessness n.
[ OE cild ]