parenthood
Americannoun
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
Etymology
Origin of parenthood
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
From Germanic and Norse myth, Wagner drew modern questions about power and law, parenthood and inheritance, possession and love.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 6, 2026
One significant improvement being felt in the game concerns parenthood.
From BBC ● Oct. 12, 2026
Deaths surrounding the transition to parenthood often have more to do with social vulnerability than biology, and many of them can be prevented.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 8, 2026
But it felt key to the answer of it, and we were talking so much about parenthood and what you would do for your child and what it means.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 5, 2026
The couple knew they had to tell Joshua and Joylette about their marriage and impending parenthood.
From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly
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