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

The topics can range from a big decision on the horizon, to how to handle a challenging team dynamic; and one to three times annually, the pair meets in person for full-day sessions, delving into the Knix founder’s childhood, as well as her future career goals. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026

Morgan’s childhood was filled with anguishing losses. —Sam McDowell 8, Kansas City Star, 8 Feb. 2026

The woman, Destiny, said social workers repeatedly visited her childhood home following reports of abuse but concluded the allegations were unsubstantiated and left her in her mother’s care. —Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2026

The most immersive version of this curriculum is based at Jandrucko Early Learners Academy, which won the 2025 H-E-B Excellence in Education Award for an early childhood facility. —Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Feb. 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