childhood

noun

child·​hood ˈchī(-ə)ld-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce childhood (audio)
1
: the state or period of being a child
2
: the early period in the development of something

Examples of childhood in a Sentence

diseases that can occur in childhood Both men had unhappy childhoods.
Recent Examples on the Web Ethan inherits his childhood farmhouse in the remote woods of rural Oregon after his father mysteriously vanishes. Nick Romano, EW.com, 17 Oct. 2024 This article is part of The Times’ early childhood education initiative, focusing on the learning and development of California children from birth to age 5. Jenny Gold, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2024 Selden said that the club launched its first-ever clinic in April 2022, with 10 youth attendees and Thorton’s childhood coach leading the session. Essence, 17 Oct. 2024 This has left health systems and public health responses ill-prepared to detect and provide long-term treatment and care required for NCDs, also known as chronic diseases, in childhood, adolescence and beyond. Unicef Usa, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for childhood 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'childhood.' 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

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of childhood was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near childhood

Cite this Entry

“Childhood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/childhood. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

childhood

noun
child·​hood ˈchīld-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce childhood (audio)
: the state or time of being a child

Medical Definition

childhood

noun
child·​hood ˈchīld-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce childhood (audio)
: the state or period of being a child

More from Merriam-Webster on childhood

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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