childhood

noun

child·​hood ˈchī(-ə)ld-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce childhood (audio)
1
: the state or period of being a child
2
: the early period in the development of something

Examples of childhood in a Sentence

diseases that can occur in childhood Both men had unhappy childhoods.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An old family issue or unresolved childhood memory may resurface, requiring healing or closure. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 3 May 2025 Buzzi was born in Westerly, R.I., and spent her childhood in Connecticut. Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 2 May 2025 Cage, as per the synopsis, plays a man who returns to the idyllic beach of his childhood to surf with his son. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 2 May 2025 People are rooting for the childhood sweetheart love story. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for childhood

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of childhood was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Childhood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/childhood. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

childhood

noun
child·​hood ˈchīld-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce childhood (audio)
: the state or time of being a child

Medical Definition

childhood

noun
child·​hood ˈchīld-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce childhood (audio)
: the state or period of being a child

More from Merriam-Webster on childhood

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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