Yes, typically an orphan is defined as a child.
According to common definition, an orphan is a child whose parents have died. This is the primary and most common understanding of the term. While the term can sometimes be used more broadly to describe any person, regardless of age, whose parents have died, or even a child with only one living parent, the core definition centers around a child.
Let's break down the core concept:
- Core Definition: The most widely accepted meaning of an orphan is a child who has lost both parents.
- Less Common Usage: Sometimes, the term is applied to any person, including adults, who have lost their parents.
- Alternative View: In some contexts, a child with only one parent deceased might also be referred to as an orphan, particularly in discussions about child welfare or historical populations.
However, the foundational definition and the most frequent use of the term 'orphan' specifically refers to a child.
