parenthood

noun

par·​ent·​hood ˈper-ənt-ˌhu̇d 

: the state of being a parent

specifically : the position, function, or standing of a parent

Synonyms of parenthood

• parenting

Examples of parenthood in a Sentence

parenthood is a difficult task requiring great commitment

Recent Examples on the Web

As the man responsible for stemming the terrorization of the cat, stealing a bite of toddler ban-affle-gurt may be one of the only perks of early-morning parenthood left to me. — Raven Smith, Vogue, 7 Oct. 2026

If making parenthood materially easier does little to restore birth rates, perhaps some part of the fertility decline reflects a change in what people want from their lives. — Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026

So Carol’s a contrast to Madeleine, and also just another look into the world of different kinds of families and parenthood. — Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026

Gaga has spoken openly about her desire to begin her parenthood journey over the past several years. — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for parenthood

• adulthood
• babyhood
• brotherhood
• cottonwood
• fatherhood
• firewood
• fuelwood
• hardihood
• ironwood
• leatherwood
• likelihood
• livelihood