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

Her accessory choice comes two weeks after Meghan and Harry shared a rare photo of their children Princess Lilibet, 5, and Prince Archie, 7, visiting Althorp, Princess Diana’s childhood home. — Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026

Sherwood, who moved back into her childhood home in 2009 to care for her mother, said her mom took out a reverse mortgage on her ranch-style New Jersey house years ago, to help pay for her medical needs. — Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026

High school seniors are embracing nostalgic backpacks as a way to reflect on their childhood and express creativity. — Melissa Willets, Parents, 8 Aug. 2026

Meghan and Katharine McPhee have known each other since childhood. — ABC News, 8 Aug. 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