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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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

But Anastasia also pointed to "the lack of a fatherhood culture".

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

"The transition to fatherhood often involves both positive experiences and a range of new stresses," says Jing Zhou, PhD student at the Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, and co-first author of the paper.

From Science Daily • Mar. 24, 2026

Some men prefer to talk to someone they think will viscerally understand what they’re grappling with, whether it’s bullying, sexual issues, intrusive thoughts, masculinity, fatherhood, divorce or job loss.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

But fatherhood, as you say, is about more than just biology.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 25, 2026

During this time, Akhi became a father, so fatherhood was likely pulling his attention away from fencing.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad

Related Words

• parenthood