childhood

noun

child·​hood ˈchī(-ə)ld-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce childhood (audio)
Synonyms of childhoodnext
1
: the state or period of being a child
2
: the early period in the development of something

Synonyms of childhood

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Examples of childhood in a Sentence

diseases that can occur in childhood Both men had unhappy childhoods.
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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.
Bringing the companies together gives Kraft Heinz an opportunity to refresh those childhood associations for another generation. — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 This year marked a major step in her recovery as the Princess of Wales undertook her first royal visit abroad since her diagnosis, visiting Reggio Emilia in northern Italy to learn about their approach to early childhood learning. — Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026 The responses were practical, personal and inventive — shaped by childhoods without AC, long workdays outdoors and family traditions passed down through generations. — Laurel Dalrymple, NPR, 31 July 2026 Just these legendary predators moving with quiet confidence, completely unaware of the overly-excited man leaning over the boat rail as a childhood dream unfolded in front of him. — Josh Blaylock, USA Today, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for childhood

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of childhood was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing childhood

Rhymes for childhood

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Browse Nearby Words

child-free
childhood
childhood friend
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Cite this Entry

“Childhood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/childhood. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

childhood

noun
child·​hood ˈchīld-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce childhood (audio)
: the state or time of being a child

Medical Definition

childhood

noun
child·​hood ˈchīld-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce childhood (audio)
: the state or period of being a child

More from Merriam-Webster on childhood

Nglish: Translation of childhood for Spanish Speakers

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