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 of parenting

• parenthood
• raising
• maternity
• mothering

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

Vanja emphasizes that physical health is the nucleus of personal development, acting as the foundation for entrepreneurship, leadership and parenting. — Ginger Gentile, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Avigail Lev, the founder and director at Bay Area CBT Center, notes some of the ways these lessons get instilled through parenting. — Alex Shoemaker, Parents, 5 July 2026

By Jones is a writer with a strong focus on health, parenting, disability, and feminism. — Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 3 July 2026

For couples, there are disputes about money, chores and parenting practices. — Deborah Mower, The Conversation, 2 July 2026

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