Definition of Son
Quick Meaning of Son
A boy or male child of a mother and father.
Detailed Definition of Son
A male child in relation to his parents.
How to Pronounce Son
Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).
Tip: Sounds like the word 'sun'. The 'o' sounds like 'u' in 'but' /ʌ/.
Watch out: Some learners pronounce it like 'sone' or 'soon'.
Origin and Etymology of Son
Old English sunu, cognate with German Sohn and Dutch zoon.
How to Use Son in a Sentence
Each example shows “son” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“My son is five years old.”
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“Their son graduated from university last year.”
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“The eldest son inherited the family business.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Son
Common Synonyms for Son
Smart Synonyms for Son — When to Use Each
- boy
- young male regardless of family relation
- lad
- informal British term showing affection
- offspring
- formal biological child in technical writing
Antonyms of Son
Common Collocations with Son
These phrases pair with “son” in everyday English:
- my son
- his son
- eldest son
- son of a gun
Common Mistakes When Using Son
Even fluent speakers slip up with “son”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: I have two sones.
- ✓ Correct: I have two sons.
- Why: Plural of son is sons, not sones.
- ✗ Wrong: This is the sun of the king.
- ✓ Correct: This is the son of the king.
- Why: Son means male child; sun is the star.
Words Confused With Son
- Son vs Sun: Homophone; sun is the star, son is a male child. Compare →
Other Forms of Son
- Noun: son
Frequently Asked Questions About Son
What is the meaning of "Son"?
A boy or male child of a mother and father.
How do you pronounce "Son"?
The IPA is /sʌn/. Sounds like the word 'sun'. The 'o' sounds like 'u' in 'but' /ʌ/.
What part of speech is "Son"?
"Son" is a noun at A1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Son"?
Common synonyms include boy, male child, offspring.
How do you use "Son" in a sentence?
For example: "My son is five years old."