parenting

1 of 2

noun

par·​ent·​ing ˈper-ən-tiŋ How to pronounce parenting (audio)
Synonyms of parentingnext
1
: the raising of a child by its parents
2
: the act or process of becoming a parent
3
: the taking care of someone in the manner of a parent

parenting

2 of 2

present participle of parent entry 2

Synonyms of parenting

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Noun

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Examples of parenting in a Sentence

Noun They share the responsibilities of parenting. as the big day approaches, the expectant couple are starting to get worried about their fitness for parenting
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.
Noun
It’s also given way to the fur baby movement — a group that’s emerged as more Americans delay having kids or nix them altogether due to the skyrocketing costs of parenting. — Mimi Montgomery, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026 As younger cohorts move into peak parenting years, the NRF’s June baseline is likely to keep climbing past the one-third mark. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026 The scene thrums with the complexity of domestic life, the simultaneity of partnering and parenting, as well as of looking, being looked at, being overlooked, and being visually represented. — Leah Ollman, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 There’s a new parenting style making the rounds on TikTok for awhile. — Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for parenting

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1918, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of parenting was in 1918

Phrases Containing parenting

Browse Nearby Words

parenticide
parenting
parent-in-law
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Parenting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parenting. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

parenting

noun
par·​ent·​ing ˈpar-ənt-iŋ How to pronounce parenting (audio)
ˈper-
: the raising of a child by its parents

Medical Definition

parenting

noun
par·​ent·​ing ˈpar-ənt-iŋ, ˈper- How to pronounce parenting (audio)
: the raising of a child by its parents

More from Merriam-Webster on parenting

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about parenting

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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