parenthood
Americannoun
Usage
What does parenthood mean? Parenthood is the state of being a parent. A person enters parenthood when they become a parent. This most commonly happens when their child is born, but it can also happen through adoption or by marrying or becoming a partner to someone with children. The terms motherhood and fatherhood are gender-specific versions of parenthood. The related noun parenting can mean the same thing as parenthood, but it more commonly refers to the process of raising children or the methods and techniques used to do so, as in I didn’t know anything about parenting before I entered parenthood. Example: People who have not experienced parenthood probably shouldn’t be so quick to criticize how other people parent their children.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of parenthood
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This was because of multiple factors, including more people over age 50, delayed parenthood and shrinking family size, according to Krista Kay Westrick-Payne, the center’s assistant director.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 24, 2026
If you’re a wealthy celebrity who had the foresight to freeze your eggs—or who wants to use an egg donor—it’s an expensive but relatively simple route to parenthood.
From Slate ● Oct. 16, 2026
Deaths surrounding the transition to parenthood often have more to do with social vulnerability than biology, and many of them can be prevented.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 8, 2026
The film stars James Rottger and Elle Watson as Cameron and Eilidh - mismatched flatmates who face the prospect of parenthood after a one-night stand.
From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2026
Their hearts were wrung with anguish, the anguish of having children, a vulnerability as astonishing as the capacity for love that parenthood brings, in a cuff link set all its own .
From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides
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