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

Brimming with spiritualism and sensuality, this neo-gothic story navigates the terrain between life and death, and between childhood and adulthood. —The New Yorker, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026

Adding a dose of humor and relatability, The Wedgie Guard by Van Wastell addressed a classic childhood problem with a practical twist. —News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026

Government survey data from 2023 showed only a third of 2-year-olds had received the complete childhood immunization schedule. —Katie Silver, NPR, 28 Mar. 2026

What ended for my son – what’s ending for countless sons and daughters in this and every NCAA tournament – is their childhood. —Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 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