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

“But delayed parenthood often comes with increased reliance on fertility care, and today, too many people who want children face significant barriers to accessing it.”

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2026

Yet parenthood is about more than love; it is also about setting an example.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

Byrne, now an Oscar nominee for the same role, found herself having to explain that parenthood almost always comes with scheduling conflicts and answer follow-up questions about the reptilian addition to her family.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

Single parenthood remains stigmatised in South Korea, leading most people to have children only within marriage.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

“It’s funny—not long ago, parenthood wasn’t even on my mind. And these days, our goslings are all I can think about. As we speak, I can feel myself being pulled back to them, like gravity.”

From "The Wild Robot Protects" by Peter Brown