fatherhood

American  

[fah-ther-hood] / ˈfɑ ðərˌhʊd /

noun

1. the state of being a father.

2. fathers collectively.

3. the qualities or spirit of a father.

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fatherhood British  

/ ˈfɑːðəˌhʊd /

noun

1. the state or responsibility of being a father

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Usage

What does fatherhood mean? Fatherhood is the state of being a father. A person enters fatherhood when they become a father. 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. Fatherhood is a gender-specific version of the term parenthood. Less commonly, fatherhood can refer to all fathers collectively, as in You won’t find a better dad in all of fatherhood. Example: People who have not experienced fatherhood probably shouldn’t be so quick to criticize how dads parent their children.

Etymology

Origin of fatherhood

1350–1400; late Middle English faderhode; replacing Middle English faderheed. See father, -hood

Example Sentences

Kathy Jones, chief executive of the Fatherhood Institute, said she welcomed many of the findings of the report, but said "families shouldn't have to wait until the next Parliament for this to come in".

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2025

Fatherhood, especially of young children with all their needs, is in.

From Salon • Sep. 1, 2024

"Fatherhood may be protective for Black men,"Parker said.

From Science Daily • May 28, 2024

Since his release, Carter has supported others navigating the criminal justice system, through his work at the state Office of Public Defense and a Renton-based program called Young Bulls Fatherhood Academy.

From Seattle Times • May 23, 2024

As with Love, so with Fatherhood, we take it as matter-of-course that this sprang and has evolved to present developments directly out of natural instinct.

From Feminism and Sex-Extinction by Kenealy, Arabella

Related Words

• parenthood