parenthood

noun

par·​ent·​hood ˈper-ənt-ˌhu̇d 

: the state of being a parent

specifically : the position, function, or standing of a parent

Synonyms of parenthood

• parenting

Examples of parenthood in a Sentence

parenthood is a difficult task requiring great commitment

Recent Examples on the Web

After touring and setting down her Real Housewives of Potomac champagne flute, Candiace focused on parenthood, welcoming a baby boy with her husband, Chris Bassett, in 2024. —Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 19 Feb. 2026

The Dallas Morning News is launching a reader survey as part of a project examining how affordable parenthood is in North Texas — and where families feel the biggest strain. —Dallas Morning News, 16 Feb. 2026

Single parents—who often have to do all of the cooking, scheduling, and other administrative work of parenthood—may also find that they are not considered the fun parent in contrast to another adult or caregiver in their child’s lives. —Jana Pollack, Parents, 15 Feb. 2026

After season 6 of the beloved Netflix series ended with big news regarding the melodrama's central couple potentially adopting a baby from one of Nurse Mel's patients, Marley (Rachel Drance), the series' new trailer introduces a concerning roadblock along the pair's path to parenthood. —Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for parenthood

• adulthood
• babyhood
• brotherhood
• cottonwood
• fatherhood
• firewood
• fuelwood
• hardihood
• ironwood
• leatherwood
• likelihood
• livelihood