parenting

noun

par·​ent·​ing ˈper-ən-tiŋ 

1

: the raising of a child by its parents

2

: the act or process of becoming a parent

3

: the taking care of someone in the manner of a parent

Synonyms

• parenthood

Examples of parenting in a Sentence

They share the responsibilities of parenting.

as the big day approaches, the expectant couple are starting to get worried about their fitness for parenting

Recent Examples on the Web

Under the parenting plan, Travis was supposed to seek mental health treatment and anger management counseling but had not, per the affidavit. —Nicole Acosta, People.com, 13 June 2025

Recognizing the mental load in both partners A new age of parenting has created various pressures and challenges for both moms and dads, mental health experts said. —Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 13 June 2025

After more than a decade of foster parenting, a New Jersey mom thought her family's journey was coming to a close. —Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025

Read more Christa Joanna Lee is a writer, editor, and storyteller with expertise spanning beauty/wellness, gifting, fashion, parenting, and travel. —Deanna Pai, Glamour, 12 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing parenting

• attachment parenting
• foster parenting

Kids Definition

parenting

noun

par·​ent·​ing ˈpar-ənt-iŋ 

ˈper-

: the raising of a child by its parents

Medical Definition

parenting

noun

par·​ent·​ing ˈpar-ənt-iŋ, ˈper- 

: the raising of a child by its parents