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

• nonage
• springtime
• youth

Examples of childhood in a Sentence

diseases that can occur in childhood

Both men had unhappy childhoods.

Recent Examples on the Web

Brominated flame retardants are used in electronics, clothing and furniture, and are associated with abnormal function of the thyroid, which has a key role in childhood development, the society said. —Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 29 Oct. 2024

So what were the pizza maker’s childhood pizzerias, possibly the origin story of his personal pizza world? —Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2024

The Oscar winner was born in Mexico but spent her childhood in Kenya. —Zack Sharf, Variety, 28 Oct. 2024

Her ability to tune in to the global zeitgeist could be attributed to her exotic childhood. —Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 26 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing childhood

• childhood friend
• second childhood

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