parenthood

noun

par·​ent·​hood ˈper-ənt-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce parenthood (audio)
Synonyms of parenthoodnext
: the state of being a parent
specifically : the position, function, or standing of a parent

Synonyms of parenthood

Examples of parenthood in a Sentence

parenthood is a difficult task requiring great commitment
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.
Single parents—who often have to do all of the cooking, scheduling, and other administrative work of parenthood—may also find that they are not considered the fun parent in contrast to another adult or caregiver in their child’s lives. Jana Pollack, Parents, 15 Feb. 2026 After season 6 of the beloved Netflix series ended with big news regarding the melodrama's central couple potentially adopting a baby from one of Nurse Mel's patients, Marley (Rachel Drance), the series' new trailer introduces a concerning roadblock along the pair's path to parenthood. Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Feb. 2026 Now that Davidson has joined the new dads club, parenthood has been a topic of conversation between the pals. Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026 The memoir turns instead into a broad and essentially familiar discourse about ambition as a route out of challenging family circumstances; the pursuit of conventional success leading to alienation; the frequent clash between career and parenthood. Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for parenthood

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of parenthood was in 1853

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Cite this Entry

“Parenthood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parenthood. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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