childers: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Rare / ArchaicArchaic, Dialectal, Literary, Onomastic (surnames/place names)
Quick answer
What does “childers” mean?
A now largely obsolete or dialectal plural of 'child', meaning 'children'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A now largely obsolete or dialectal plural of 'child', meaning 'children'.
Sometimes used as a surname, particularly in Northern England and Scotland, or found in place names like Childers Street. The word can also be found in archaic or literary contexts to refer to descendants or progeny in a collective sense.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The form is primarily found in British, particularly Northern English and Scottish, dialects and historical contexts. It is virtually non-existent in modern American English.
Connotations
In modern use as a surname, it is neutral. In historical or dialectal contexts, it conveys a rustic, old-fashioned, or regional flavor.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, but marginally higher recognition in the UK due to historical literature, place names, and the surname.
Grammar
How to Use “childers” in a Sentence
the + childers + VERB (plural)childers + of + NOUNVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “childers” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- -
American English
- -
adverb
British English
- -
American English
- -
adjective
British English
- -
American English
- -
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
-
Academic
Might appear in historical linguistics, onomastics, or literary studies discussing archaic or dialectal forms.
Everyday
Not used in standard contemporary conversation.
Technical
Potential usage in genealogy or local history referring to surnames or historical documents.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “childers”
- Using 'childers' in modern writing or speech. Assuming it is a singular noun (it is plural).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic or dialectal form. The standard modern plural is 'children'.
Primarily in historical texts, dialect literature, or as a surname (e.g., Erskine Childers) and in some British place names.
Only if you are deliberately aiming for an archaic or specific dialectal effect, such as in historical fiction. Otherwise, use 'children'.
It is pronounced similarly to 'children' but ending with '-derz' (UK: /ˈtʃɪldəz/, US: /ˈtʃɪldərz/).
A now largely obsolete or dialectal plural of 'child', meaning 'children'.
Childers is usually archaic, dialectal, literary, onomastic (surnames/place names) in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “-”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the famous novel 'The Riddle of the Sands' by **Erskine Childers**. The author's surname helps remember this archaic plural form.
Conceptual Metaphor
-
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'childers' most likely to be encountered today?