Meaning & use
our bundle of joy
Last updated
Meaning
phrasefixed phraseinformal
A loving way to refer to a baby or young child, especially one's own.
Grammar: Used as a noun phrase, often with a possessive like 'our' or 'their'; it can be the subject or object of a sentence.
Patterns
- our bundle of joy
- their bundle of joy
- a bundle of joy
After years of waiting, their bundle of joy finally arrived.
She posted a photo of her bundle of joy on social media.
The whole family gathered to welcome the new bundle of joy.
Common combinations
- welcome a bundle of joy
- They welcomed a bundle of joy into their home last spring.
- a new bundle of joy
- The grandparents were thrilled to meet the new bundle of joy.
- expect a bundle of joy
- They are expecting a bundle of joy in December.
- a precious bundle of joy
- She cradled her precious bundle of joy gently.
Synonyms and how they differ
- baby
- The neutral, everyday word; 'bundle of joy' is more affectionate and informal.
- newborn
- Specifically a baby in the first few weeks; 'bundle of joy' can refer to any young child.
- little one
- A similar affectionate term, but not limited to babies and often used for older children.
Commonly confused: our bundle of joy or bundle of nerves?
our bundle of joy vs bundle of nerves
This means someone who is very nervous or anxious, not a baby.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'our bundle of joy' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Our bundle of joy' refers to a baby or young child, so it fits with starting kindergarten. The other options treat it as a product or object, which is not the meaning.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “our bundle of joy”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.