offspring
word
Definition
A person's child or children, or the young of an animal. Used for both singular and plural. Can also refer figuratively to the product or result of something.
Usage & Nuances
More formal than 'children' or 'kids'. Same form for singular and plural ('one offspring', 'many offspring'). Commonly used in biology and science writing. Can sound humorous when used about one's own kids: 'How are your offspring doing?' Also the name of a famous punk rock band (The Offspring).
Example Sentences
The bear was fiercely protective of her offspring.
basic
Parents pass their genes to their offspring.
basic
The offspring of two different species is called a hybrid.
basic
He jokingly referred to his three teenagers as his 'unruly offspring'.
natural
The study tracked the health of the mice and their offspring across three generations.
natural
This app is the offspring of a late-night brainstorming session that got wildly out of hand.
natural