childhood

American  

[chahyld-hood] / ˈtʃaɪld hʊd /

noun

1. the state or period of being a child.

   Synonyms:

   girlhood, boyhood, youth

2. the early stage in the existence of something.

   the childhood of the human race.

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childhood British  

/ ˈtʃaɪldhʊd /

noun

1. the condition of being a child; the period of life before puberty

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Other Word Forms

• prechildhood noun

Etymology

Origin of childhood

before 950; Middle English childhode, Old English cildhād. See child, -hood

Example Sentences

Limiting sugar consumption during early childhood may reduce the risk of serious heart problems later in life.

From Science Daily

The defendant told the court he created an online persona to escape reality and his use of online platforms and social media escalated through his childhood.

From BBC

But for them, collecting and watching DVDs isn’t merely a childhood memory.

From Los Angeles Times

“A lot of Act 1 was you, Maddie,” says Shi, “where he’s feeling soulful and lonely. I love that. Yearning, watching the stars. I feel like that’s probably from your own childhood.”

From Los Angeles Times

Both leaders had famously tough childhoods -- Lee worked in a sweatshop to support his family, while Lula dropped out of school to sell peanuts and shine shoes.

From Barron's