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

• youth
• adolescence

Examples of childhood in a Sentence

diseases that can occur in childhood

Both men had unhappy childhoods.

Recent Examples on the Web

Low reimbursement rates reflect the broader issue: lack of public funding for early childhood, according to Anna Powell, who studies the industry at the University of California Berkeley’s Center for the Study of Child Care Employment. —Beki San Martin, Freep.com, 7 Aug. 2025

After two long decades, the gang is finally back together, giving McDonald’s customers the chance to rediscover parts of their childhood or experience it for the first time. —Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2025

The morning show host has already tried to instill some of her Texas childhood experiences in her three kids. —Rachel McRady, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025

Sami Tamimi was born and raised in Jerusalem and immersed in food since childhood. —Sami Tamimi august 6, Literary Hub, 6 Aug. 2025

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