parenthood

noun

par·​ent·​hood ˈper-ənt-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce parenthood (audio)
Synonyms of parenthoodnext
: the state of being a parent
specifically : the position, function, or standing of a parent

Synonyms of parenthood

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Examples of parenthood in a Sentence

parenthood is a difficult task requiring great commitment
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While The Suite Life of Zack & Cody alum, 34, and his pregnant model wife, 32, explored newborn essentials with Babylist, the soon-to-be parents openly talked about their journey to parenthood. — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026 Given that men don't have to contend with a biological ticking clock like women do, parenthood becomes a calculus that women are frequently forced to navigate, balancing professional ambition and personal identity. — Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 But Karen Guzzo, an expert on family development and demographic trends at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, said many American couples who are weighing parenthood need this kind of help. — Brian Mann, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026 The end result is that, as everyone settles on one side of the parenthood fence or the other, many pick the side with people a lot like themselves. — Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for parenthood

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of parenthood was in 1853

Rhymes for parenthood

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Browse Nearby Words

parenthetical
parenthood
parenticide
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Cite this Entry

“Parenthood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parenthood. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on parenthood

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about parenthood

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