childhood
noun
child·hood
ˈchī(-ə)ld-ˌhu̇d 
1
: the state or period of being a child
2
: the early period in the development of something
Examples of childhood in a Sentence
diseases that can occur in childhood
Both men had unhappy childhoods.
Recent Examples on the Web
While William, 43, and Kate, 44, have long marked Easter with the royal family — with William taking part in the tradition since childhood — the couple missed the annual outing in both 2024 and 2025, making this year’s appearance a notable return.
—
Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 5 Apr. 2026
In an ideal world, childhood would be sacred, existing outside of the bounds of being turned into profit.
—Fortesa Latifi, Rolling Stone, 5 Apr. 2026
Holland started thinking about his childhood faith and wondering where his values came from.
—John Blake, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2026
Stout recalled a gopher tortoise his family called Herman that lived nearby for a few years during Stout’s childhood.
—Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for childhood
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Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 5 Apr. 2026
In an ideal world, childhood would be sacred, existing outside of the bounds of being turned into profit.
—Fortesa Latifi, Rolling Stone, 5 Apr. 2026
Holland started thinking about his childhood faith and wondering where his values came from.
—John Blake, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2026
Stout recalled a gopher tortoise his family called Herman that lived nearby for a few years during Stout’s childhood.
—Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for childhood
Cite this Entry
“Childhood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/childhood. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
childhood
noun
child·hood
ˈchīld-ˌhu̇d
: the state or time of being a child
Medical Definition
childhood
noun
child·hood
ˈchīld-ˌhu̇d
: the state or period of being a child
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