fatherhood

[fah-ther-hood]

noun

1. the state of being a father.

2. fathers collectively.

3. the qualities or spirit of a father.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fatherhood¹

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

Example Sentences

He praised Kirk’s example of Christian fatherhood and traditional theology of family.

From Salon

As on “Swag,” Bieber has marriage, fatherhood and religion on his mind here.

From Los Angeles Times

Comparing teaching football to fatherhood, Tino said it’s essential to tell players not what they want to hear but what they need to hear to grow into the best version of themselves.

From Los Angeles Times

Can you talk about how fatherhood has affected you personally and creatively?

From Los Angeles Times

The music tackles themes around racism, police violence, capitalism and fatherhood; as well as the ills of homophobia and toxic masculinity.

From BBC

Related Words

• parenthood 

When To Use

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.