orphans

An orphan is a child whose parents have died.

When we hear someone talk about an orphan, we often think of a sad story - a little kid who has lost their mom and dad. But orphans can also refer to animals, like kittens or puppies that are separated from their mothers too early. In some cases, people might use the word "orphan" to describe something that's been abandoned or left without support, not just children. For example, a project or a business might be considered an orphan if its original leader is gone and no one takes over.