helicopter parent

noun

plural helicopter parents
: a parent who is overly involved in the life of their child

Examples of helicopter parent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The helicopter parents of the 1990s and early 2000s are now becoming grandparents. Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 24 Jan. 2026 Crucially—and unlike most hotels of this ilk—the Grand Park is not concerned with keeping you held within its crosshairs at all times, like a helicopter parent. Jonnie Bayfield, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026 Canadian Shane is mild-mannered, sheltered and bred for his success by his hockey helicopter parents. Sandra Gonzalez, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 2025 The paradigmatic helicopter parent hovered from a distance and in most cases didn’t follow their child to college. Russell Shaw, The Atlantic, 2 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for helicopter parent

Word History

First Known Use

1989, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of helicopter parent was in 1989

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Helicopter parent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/helicopter%20parent. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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