offspring
OFF-spring
/ˈɔːfsprɪŋ/
A person's child or children, or the young of an animal or plant.
Remains unchanged in the plural form ('one offspring', 'five offspring'). Applicable to humans, animals, and plants.
The story behind the word. Derived from Old English 'of' (away, off) + 'springan' (to leap or spring). It originally described shoots springing off a parent plant, then extended to animal and human children.
Word relationships
- children: Children refers strictly to young humans; offspring applies across all living organisms.
- progeny: Progeny is more formal and literary than offspring.
- parents: Parents are the progenitors of offspring.
Commonly confused with
- offshoot: An offshoot is a side branch or secondary consequence; offspring is a child or animal young.
Collocations
- protect offspring
- produce offspring
- care for offspring
Example sentences
- "Female bears protect their offspring fiercely against potential predators during winter months." Zoology report
Memory hook
Children SPRING OFF from their parents like young plant shoots. Offspring = life springing off from parents.
When not to use
Never write 'offsprings'—the form 'offspring' serves as both singular and plural.
Fun facts
- Because 'offspring' stays the same in plural, saying 'three offsprings' is one of the most common grammatical errors in ESL essays.
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