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

With Aemond gone, Rhaenrya dragon-waltzes into King's Landing, an entry made possible by peace-seeking former foe and childhood bestie Alicent. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 29 June 2026

Since the family relocated to California in 2020, Archie is believed to have spent only a handful of occasions with the monarch, and Charles has only once met Lilibet, who is named after Queen Elizabeth's childhood nickname. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 28 June 2026

Malia said Campbell’s response likely had something to do with childhood memories of tales told by his father that stayed with him forever. — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2026

The series also stars Aurora Perrineau as Percy’s best friend of adulthood, Chantal; Abigail Cowen as her childhood best friend Delilah and Joseph Chiu as Sam’s childhood best friend Jordie. — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 27 June 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