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
Preschool registration for fall 2026 will open in February at several local early childhood centers.
—
Susan Soldavin, Baltimore Sun, 15 Feb. 2026
Dreaming about your ex leaving you, on the other hand, may not necessarily be about the trauma of a breakup but could be about broader issues of rejection stemming from childhood, nonromantic relationships, or other abuse in one’s past.
—Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2026
Lemon Chiffon Pie, an ethereal blast from the past, was a childhood favorite both to bake and to eat.
—Carolynn Carreño, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026
When her mother falls ill, Michelle is forced to face the memories of her childhood.
—Amanda Favazza, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for childhood
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Susan Soldavin, Baltimore Sun, 15 Feb. 2026
Dreaming about your ex leaving you, on the other hand, may not necessarily be about the trauma of a breakup but could be about broader issues of rejection stemming from childhood, nonromantic relationships, or other abuse in one’s past.
—Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2026
Lemon Chiffon Pie, an ethereal blast from the past, was a childhood favorite both to bake and to eat.
—Carolynn Carreño, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026
When her mother falls ill, Michelle is forced to face the memories of her childhood.
—Amanda Favazza, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 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 18 Feb. 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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