parental

American  

[puh-ren-tl] / pəˈrɛn tl /

adjective

1. of or relating to a parent.

2. proper to or characteristic of a parent.

   parental feelings.

3. having the relation of a parent

4. Genetics. pertaining to the sequence of generations preceding the filial generation, each generation being designated by a P followed by a subscript number indicating its place in the sequence.

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noun

1. Also called parental unit.  Informal. one's parent.

   I'm headed for a vacation with the parentals.

parental British  

/ pəˈrɛntəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to a parent or parenthood

2. genetics designating the first generation in a line, which gives rise to all succeeding (filial) generations

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Other Word Forms

• interparental adjective
• nonparental adjective
• nonparentally adverb
• parentally adverb
• postparental adjective
• unparental adjective
• unparentally adverb

Etymology

Origin of parental

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin parentālis “of, belonging to parents,” equivalent to parent- “parent” + -ālis adjective suffix; parent, -al ¹

Explanation

Someone who's parental acts the way a typical mother or father does. A parental kindergarten teacher might pat students' heads and call them "sweetheart." You can use the adjective parental to describe a motherly or fatherly person, like your parental uncle who attends all your school plays. It also describes something generally related to parents — like parental leave, a work benefit that allows new parents to take some time off to care for their baby; or a parental advisory, which warns parents about the content of an audio recording. The Latin root of parental is parens, "father or mother."

Example Sentences

But he said "parental support is very mixed" and managing use during break times created "flashpoints for conflict" between pupils and staff.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

In addition to comprehensive parental controls, the platform ensures no ads, in-app purchases or extra fees.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

Some are hopeful that the changes will help prevent cases of parental abduction, which have come into the spotlight in recent years - especially after allegations made by foreigners with Japanese ex-spouses.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

“For younger or beginner investors, having parental visibility or approval can be helpful in guiding decision making and reinforcing good habits,” Tobin said.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

Even this G-rated eyeful of parental affection makes me uncomfortable.

From "Love, Hate & Other Filters" by Samira Ahmed

Related Words

• fatherly
• maternal
• paternal