adoption
noun
adop·tion
ə-ˈdäp-shən 
plural adoptions
1
: the act or process of adopting someone or something: such as
a
: the act or process of adopting a child
couples who are interested in adoption
About three-quarters of private domestic adoptions are now "open," involving some degree of ongoing contact between adoptive parents, adoptees and the birth family …—
Sydney Trent
Sydney Trent
b
: the act or process of adopting an animal as a pet
dogs and cats available for adoption
The global pandemic saw a boom in pet adoptions …—scoop.co.nz
scoop.co.nz
c
: the act of beginning to practice or use something
the adoption of new technology
The versatility of the henley shirt can be seen in its early adoption by rowers and how it has been worn since.—Emma Fraser
Emma Fraser
d
: the act or process of giving official acceptance or approval to something
the adoption of measures to reduce emissions
2
: the state or condition of being adopted
She is their daughter by adoption.
Examples of adoption in a Sentence
the company wants to speed up its adoption of new technology.
Our adoption of local customs has gone slowly.
The lawyer has handled countless adoptions.
children who are available for adoption
the unanimous adoption of the resolution by the Senate
Recent Examples on the Web
The board says the standard has driven major changes in the state’s fuel market — in particular, the rapid adoption of renewable diesel made from vegetable oil.
—Grant Stringer, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
Toast continues to focus on expanding its platform and increasing product adoption across its customer base in the restaurant industry.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
Gamification and peer recognition play a key role in driving adoption, alongside a structured approach to skills development.
—Peter High, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
What's more, every dog at the event will be available for adoption, and the center said that anyone interested in adopting can follow up at Helen Woodward Animal Center, located nearby in Rancho Santa Fe.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for adoption 
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Grant Stringer, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
Toast continues to focus on expanding its platform and increasing product adoption across its customer base in the restaurant industry.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
Gamification and peer recognition play a key role in driving adoption, alongside a structured approach to skills development.
—Peter High, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
What's more, every dog at the event will be available for adoption, and the center said that anyone interested in adopting can follow up at Helen Woodward Animal Center, located nearby in Rancho Santa Fe.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for adoption
Dictionary Entries Near adoption
Cite this Entry
“Adoption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adoption. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
adoption
noun
adop·tion
ə-ˈdäp-shən
: the act of adopting : the state of being adopted
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