parenthood

American  

[pair-uhnt-hood, par-] / ˈpɛər əntˌhʊd, ˈpær- /

noun

1. the state, position, or relation of a parent.

---

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

• nonparenthood
  noun

Etymology

Origin of parenthood

First recorded in 1855–60; parent + -hood

Example Sentences

Becerra quickly consolidated support from elected officials including Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and influential groups like Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California and the California Medical Assn.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

Nedelman has assembled the book club over the decades, inviting women from different parts of her life, including investment clubs and Planned Parenthood organizing along with high school classmates.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026

Her family asks that any donations in her memory be made to “her favorite charity,” Planned Parenthood.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Planned Parenthood Mar Monte also hopes to attract patients at a different stage of life than its core demographic with Poppy, a telehealth provider for perimenopausal care.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

“I made the appointment at Planned Parenthood before I even told your brother.”

From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson