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What is the Meaning of “Kid”?

Kid
/kɪd/

A young child; a boy or girl who is not yet an adult.

Definition of Kid

Quick Meaning of Kid

A young child; a boy or girl who is not yet an adult.

Detailed Definition of Kid

A young person; a child or young boy or girl.

How to Pronounce Kid

IPA: /kɪd/
kid

Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).

Tip: One syllable with short /ɪ/ vowel like 'i' in 'bit', ending with /d/ sound. Rhymes with 'lid' and 'rid'.

Watch out: Usually pronounced correctly; sometimes confused with 'code' /koʊd/ in writing, but different sounds.

Full pronunciation guide for “kid” →

Origin and Etymology of Kid

From Old Norse 'kið' meaning young goat; originally referred to baby goats before extending to human children.

How to Use Kid in a Sentence

Each example shows “kid” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.

  • “The kids are playing in the park after school.”
    A1 daily
  • “My neighbor's kid scored two goals in the soccer match.”
    A1 conversation
  • “Many kids enjoy reading adventure stories before bedtime.”
    A1 written

Synonyms and Antonyms of Kid

Common Synonyms for Kid

Smart Synonyms for Kid — When to Use Each

child
formal term in official or academic contexts
youngster
informal alternative when kid sounds too casual
boy or girl
when gender is relevant to the meaning

Antonyms of Kid

See all synonyms for “kid” →

Common Collocations with Kid

These phrases pair with “kid” in everyday English:

  • small kid
  • young kid
  • neighborhood kid
  • kid's toy
  • kids' game

Common Mistakes When Using Kid

Even fluent speakers slip up with “kid”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:

✗ Wrong: The kids is playing outside in the yard.
✓ Correct: The kids are playing outside in the yard.
Why: Plural 'kids' requires plural verb 'are', not singular 'is'.
✗ Wrong: That kid's toy are broken and need repair.
✓ Correct: That kid's toy is broken and needs repair.
Why: Singular 'toy' requires singular verb 'is', not plural 'are'. Singular also needs singular 'needs'.

Other Forms of Kid

Frequently Asked Questions About Kid

What is the meaning of "Kid"?

A young child; a boy or girl who is not yet an adult.

How do you pronounce "Kid"?

The IPA is /kɪd/. One syllable with short /ɪ/ vowel like 'i' in 'bit', ending with /d/ sound. Rhymes with 'lid' and 'rid'.

What part of speech is "Kid"?

"Kid" is a noun at A1 level (Common European Framework).

What are synonyms for "Kid"?

Common synonyms include child, youngster, boy.

How do you use "Kid" in a sentence?

For example: "The kids are playing in the park after school."

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