childhood

noun

child·​hood ˈchī(-ə)ld-ˌhu̇d 

1

: the state or period of being a child

2

: the early period in the development of something

Synonyms of childhood

• youth
• adolescence

Examples of childhood in a Sentence

diseases that can occur in childhood

Both men had unhappy childhoods.

Recent Examples on the Web

Her company’s past projects include work for the Denver Art Museum and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, as well as early childhood education centers. — John Wenzel, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2026

But Kazan has a different notion of this character, one that the director explores and complicates through extended flashbacks to Cathy’s childhood. — Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026

The decision Misty makes as the film enters its third act is partly precipitated by her bipolar kind-of brother, her lone touchstone to a troubled childhood that’s kept frustratingly vague. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026

Earlier this year, Troy Williams told a reporter about his difficult childhood growing up in the projects in New York City. — Breaking News, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing childhood

• childhood friend
• second childhood

Rhymes for childhood

• allgood
• basswood
• beechwood
• bellwood
• birchwood
• boxwood
• boyhood
• brushwood
• cordwood
• dogwood
• driftwood
• falsehood

Kids Definition

childhood

noun

child·​hood ˈchīld-ˌhu̇d 

: the state or time of being a child

Medical Definition

childhood

noun

child·​hood ˈchīld-ˌhu̇d 

: the state or period of being a child