1. a family unit formed when one or both partners in a couple have children from a previous relationship

Examples

• After their parents married, the children had to adjust to life in a stepfamily.
• The stepfamily included two teenagers from his first marriage and one child from hers.
• Many stepfamilies face unique challenges as they blend different family traditions.
• The counselor specialized in helping stepfamilies navigate relationship dynamics.
• Creating new traditions helped unite the stepfamily during the holidays.
• Both parents worked hard to make all the children feel valued in their stepfamily.