parenthood

noun

par·​ent·​hood ˈper-ənt-ˌhu̇d 

: the state of being a parent

specifically : the position, function, or standing of a parent

Synonyms of parenthood

• parenting

Examples of parenthood in a Sentence

parenthood is a difficult task requiring great commitment

Recent Examples on the Web

Since becoming a father, Allen has also opened up about how parenthood has changed his perspective on football. — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2026

Though Ursula loves her daughter, the film suggests that there are consequences for not always being keen on parenthood and for maybe sometimes wanting to live one’s own life. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026

As the man responsible for stemming the terrorization of the cat, stealing a bite of toddler ban-affle-gurt may be one of the only perks of early-morning parenthood left to me. — Raven Smith, Vogue, 7 Oct. 2026

If making parenthood materially easier does little to restore birth rates, perhaps some part of the fertility decline reflects a change in what people want from their lives. — Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for parenthood

• adulthood
• babyhood
• brotherhood
• cottonwood
• fatherhood
• firewood
• fuelwood
• hardihood
• ironwood
• leatherwood
• likelihood
• livelihood