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
Here are a few more tips from our experts on raising a self-sufficient child in the face of the snowplow parenting trend. — Cheryl Maguire, Parents, 1 Sep. 2026 Gayheart and Dane navigated separation, co-parenting and a reconciliation between their wedding in 2004 and his death in February 2026. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026 Sanchez joined the show weeks after having twin daughters and opened up about postpartum and the difficulties of parenting while maintaining a career. — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026 Couples may continue managing day-to-day responsibilities, such as household tasks and parenting, even as one partner becomes emotionally and physically disengaged, relationship experts say. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 29 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 4 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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