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

Hailee Steinfeld and Josh Allen have officially entered parenthood, welcoming their first little one.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

Even so, the study highlights when fathers may be most vulnerable during early parenthood.

From Science Daily • Mar. 24, 2026

Byrne, nominated for her performance in "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You," told ABC the film was an "examination of parenthood."

From Barron's • Mar. 15, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 1, 2026

Their hearts were wrung with anguish, the anguish of having children, a vulnerability as astonishing as the capacity for love that parenthood brings, in a cuff link set all its own .

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides