childhood

noun

ˈchī(-ə)ld-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce childhood (audio)
Definition of childhoodnext
as in youth
the state or time of being a child enjoy your childhood—it won't last forever

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of childhood Among them was a pledge to restore headcount in the school system’s early childhood division, starting with 200 new hires. — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026 Forged in crucibles of traumatic childhoods and unthinkable loss, both Batman and Alice seek to right wrongs that the criminal justice system won’t touch. — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026 In order to test him during his childhood, his parents do everything from shooting an apple off his head to leaving him stranded in a dangerous part of town, forcing John to fend for himself. — Matt Minton, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026 Lainey shared a slew of photos from growing up with Parton, some from childhood and others taken onstage with the country star. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for childhood
Recent Examples of Synonyms for childhood
  1. youth
  2. adolescence
Noun
  • For example, Panda Cares, the company’s charitable arm, has raised more than $455 million since 1999 to support youth health and education.
    — True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Currently, the office focuses on vulnerable populations like LGBTQ+ people, Indigenous youth, seniors, and veterans.
    — Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of youth
Noun
  • Autistic girls without co-occurring intellectual disabilities tend to be diagnosed significantly later than their male counterparts, often not until adolescence or later.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • His father’s work as a contractor moved the family around a lot during his adolescence.
    — Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of adolescence

Phrases Containing childhood

Browse Nearby Words

childbirths
childhood
childish
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Cite this Entry

“Childhood.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/childhood. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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