children
noun (countable)
UK/ˈtʃɪl.drən/US/ˈtʃɪl.drən/
Young people, typically those who are not yet adults; more than one child.
Example Sentences
Children often learn quickly by exploring their environment and asking questions.
The playground was full of laughing children enjoying the sunny afternoon.
Many communities provide resources to support children’s education and well-being.
Parents want to ensure their children grow up with good values and a strong sense of responsibility.
Volunteers read stories to children at the local library’s weekend reading program.
Research suggests children benefit from creative play and hands-on activities.
On the first day of school, the children nervously filed into their new classrooms, finding seats and making friends as they settled into a routine.
As children develop, they begin to demonstrate their individuality and unique talents, revealing how vital proper guidance and encouragement are in nurturing their potential.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
Plural form of “child,” referring to more than one young person.This plural noun denotes a group of individuals who have not yet reached adulthood, commonly under legal age. You might say, “We took the children to the park,” or “Children often learn languages faster than adults.” It underscores collective dependence, growth, and the need for guidance or education. You’ll see it in casual conversation about family life—“My children love building sandcastles”—and in professional contexts discussing child welfare, education, or pediatric healthcare (“Programs for children are expanding this year”). It also appears in legal or policy language, referring to protections, rights, or restrictions for anyone under a certain age threshold. When using “children,” be mindful of context—specific age ranges can vary by culture or law. In stories and narratives, highlighting children can add perspectives of wonder, innocence, or vulnerability, enriching the emotional layers of your writing or speech. Whether you’re talking about classroom dynamics, sibling relationships, or demographic data, this term signals a collective focus on youth, underscoring how society shapes and nurtures its youngest members toward eventual independence.
Alternatives
To avoid repetition or to emphasize different aspects of youth, you might use “kids” in informal contexts or “minors” in more formal, legal settings. “Youth” can be a broader term, spanning older children and adolescents. “Youngsters” adds a casual, friendly tone when referring to a group. If you need to specify developmental stages, “toddlers,” “preschoolers,” or “teens” help pinpoint age brackets more precisely. In certain professional or academic contexts, phrases like “pediatric population” can be appropriate, especially in healthcare settings. “Sons and daughters” focuses on family relationships. By choosing a word or phrase that aligns with your setting—legal, academic, casual, or familial—you maintain clarity and convey the exact scope of ages or relationships you have in mind. Synonyms can also keep your language dynamic, tailoring your tone and specificity to your audience or subject matter.
Writing
When writing, use “children” to address collective points about youth—education, health, or family structure. In academic or policy-related texts, you might analyze trends among children, such as literacy rates or nutrition, clarifying the context (e.g., “Children between ages 6 and 12 showed the greatest improvement”). In narratives or storytelling, referencing children often highlights themes of curiosity, innocence, or growth—“The children stood in awe before the towering statue.” Balance broader statements (“Children benefit from consistent routines”) with specific examples or data if you’re discussing child development or societal programs. If you’re writing from a child’s perspective, you can capture the world through fresher eyes, weaving in wonder and immediate emotional responses. Vary your language by using synonyms or specifying ages to prevent monotony and deepen clarity—especially when comparing different groups (infants vs. teenagers). Whether you’re penning a research paper, crafting fiction, or proposing an initiative, focusing on “children” offers a natural way to incorporate empathy and highlight formative experiences that shape future adults.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “children” is a straightforward term for referring to multiple kids, whether your own, someone else’s, or a group in general. You might say, “How many children do they have?” when chatting about a friend’s family, or “The neighborhood children love playing tag after school.” Common expressions include questions about parenting (“How do you manage three children?”) or tips about outings (“Is this place kid-friendly for children under five?”). If you’re planning gatherings—like birthday parties or family reunions—you might mention, “It’s a chance for the children to play together.” In relaxed talk, you can easily swap in words like “kids,” especially if you’re chatting with friends or peers, though “children” remains clear and neutral in any scenario. On social media, you might see group photos labeled “Our children at the zoo today!” or anecdotes about daily life. The key is straightforward clarity—just make sure your conversation partner knows which children you’re referencing (friends, relatives, students) and possibly their approximate ages. Whether you’re celebrating milestones, solving parenting puzzles, or simply passing along a funny quote from a child’s perspective, “children” keeps the focus on that collective sense of youth and growth.
Etymology
As the plural form of the Old English “cild,” the term “children” has roots stretching back to early Germanic languages. Historically, the Old English plural was “cildru,” evolving over time into “children.” While “cild” once largely referred to an infant or unborn child, usage expanded to cover broader developmental stages, reflecting shifts in societal understanding of youth and dependency. Through the Middle Ages and beyond, laws, social norms, and family structures increasingly acknowledged distinct childhood phases, leading to widespread use of the plural form in literature, legal statutes, and religious texts. With industrialization and modern education systems, the word “children” became even more central to policies and cultural conversations about nurturing, protection, and rights. Across centuries, it has remained a core concept, illuminating how societies strive to safeguard and cultivate their youngest members. This continued importance in law, literature, and daily life attests to the enduring principle that children, in their vulnerability and promise, need guidance, structure, and empathy to thrive as they journey toward adulthood.
