parenthood

American  

[pair-uhnt-hood, par-] / ˈpɛər əntˌhʊd, ˈpær- /

noun

1. the state, position, or relation of a parent.

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Usage

What does parenthood mean? Parenthood is the state of being a parent.A person enters parenthood when they become a parent. 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.The terms motherhood and fatherhood are gender-specific versions of parenthood.The related noun parenting can mean the same thing as parenthood, but it more commonly refers to the process of raising children or the methods and techniques used to do so, as in I didn’t know anything about parenting before I entered parenthood.Example: People who have not experienced parenthood probably shouldn’t be so quick to criticize how other people parent their children.

Other Word Forms

• nonparenthood noun

Etymology

Origin of parenthood

First recorded in 1855–60; parent + -hood

Example Sentences

During early parenthood you are always buying for the next stage.

From The Wall Street Journal

Yet there was no daylight between us in our approach to parenthood.

From The Wall Street Journal

She also often wrote about remarriage, parenthood and the strains on the so-called "sandwich generation", caring for both their children and their parents.

From BBC

Skilled at mining laughs from life’s toughest situations and with her internal dumpster fire front and center, Baker goes from resisting parenthood to IVF, miscarriages, discussing parenting styles and questioning her own identity.

From Los Angeles Times

Dijon, “Baby” An album about new parenthood that feels like new parenthood.

From Los Angeles Times