parenting

noun

par·​ent·​ing ˈper-ən-tiŋ How to pronounce parenting (audio)
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

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 Worrying about waste can turn into a variation on the pursuit of perfect parenting—but not worrying about it is illogical. Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 30 Apr. 2024 Today, amid increasingly accessible resources and freedoms that weren’t afforded in the past, parenting has undoubtedly changed. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 26 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for parenting 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'parenting.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of parenting was in 1918

Dictionary Entries Near parenting

Cite this Entry

“Parenting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parenting. Accessed 4 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

parenting

noun
par·​ent·​ing ˈpar-ənt-iŋ How to pronounce parenting (audio)
ˈper-
: the raising of a child by its parents

Medical Definition

parenting

noun
par·​ent·​ing ˈpar-ənt-iŋ, ˈper- How to pronounce parenting (audio)
: the raising of a child by its parents

More from Merriam-Webster on parenting

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!