What does offspring mean?
Offspring means a person or organism's direct young. The word is distinctive because it is both singular and plural, so 'one offspring' and 'many offspring' are both grammatically correct. It is used in ordinary conversation about children, in biology and agriculture to describe the young of animals or plants, and more figuratively for the descendants or products of a person, group, or influence. For example, one might discuss the intellectual offspring of a movement, the offspring of a particular mating, or how a parent hopes their offspring will be treated fairly. Unlike 'descendant,' which can include children, grandchildren, and later generations, 'offspring' most naturally refers to direct children. Compared with the more formal 'progeny,' it sounds conversational and accessible while remaining precise.
nounA child or children regarded as the offspring of a parent, animal, plant, or other organism. The word can refer to one descendant or collectively to multiple descendants.
- A child or children of a parent or parents.
- The young produced by an animal, plant, or other organism.
- A person or group regarded as descended from a particular person, family, group, or source.
"The mare and her offspring grazed peacefully in the field."
"Their offspring are all involved in the family business."
"The breeding pair produced offspring that were unusually healthy."
The same form is used for both singular and plural: 'one offspring' and 'many offspring.'
"Each offspring was raised by a different foster family."
Offspring is famously plural in form while also serving as its own singular: one offspring and many offspring.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does offspring come from?
The word is formed from 'off' and 'spring,' with 'spring' meaning a source or origin and ultimately referring to something that springs or grows forth. Its sense developed from the idea of what springs or is produced from a parent, animal, or other source. The compound has been used in English since the Middle English period and is related to forms such as 'spring,' 'sprung,' and 'springing.'
How offspring is actually used
The noun is both singular and plural: 'one offspring' and 'many offspring.' It is neutral in register and can be used for human and non-human descendants. In academic or genealogical contexts, 'progeny' may be preferred.
Easily confused with offspring
Offspring usually means a direct child, whereas a descendant can also refer to a child, grandchild, or later family member.
Progeny is a more formal collective term for descendants, while offspring is the more common everyday word.