noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of childhood
before 950; Middle English childhode, Old English cildhād. See child, -hood
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.
What a setback for anyone who saw a childhood ruined by Bucky Dent, or yanks the plug when the jukebox cranks up Billy Joel.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026
K.B. is upfront about his father’s emotional distance and absenteeism during his childhood.
From Salon • Jun. 7, 2026
One day he wandered into the Fashion District and bumped into a childhood friend who told him there was money to be made selling dresses.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026
Others are curious about the bridal party, wondering if Gomez and childhood friend Abigail Anderson Berard, who has been in multiple Swift music videos, will be part.
From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026
He tried to remember Mom’s stories from childhood.
From "The School for Whatnots" by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
