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.
Phrases and idioms:
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.
Derivatives:
childless adj. childlessness n.
Etymology: OE cild