parenting

noun

par·​ent·​ing ˈper-ən-tiŋ 

1

: the raising of a child by its parents

2

: the act or process of becoming a parent

3

: the taking care of someone in the manner of a parent

Synonyms

• parenthood
• raising
• maternity
• mothering

Examples of parenting in a Sentence

They share the responsibilities of parenting.

as the big day approaches, the expectant couple are starting to get worried about their fitness for parenting

Recent Examples on the Web

The cultures, demographics and even parenting styles differ across states. —Court Stroud, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025

The viral Instagram video has amassed over 6,000 comments so far, as social-media users lauded Crews for his take on parenting. —Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025

The 50-year-old rapper shared some of his parenting hacks ahead of their reality series premiering on Peacock this week. —Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 24 June 2025

The back of the baby's head was shown in the show’s trailer as the couple discussed their differing parenting styles. —Rachel McRady, People.com, 23 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing parenting

• attachment parenting
• foster parenting

Kids Definition

parenting

noun

par·​ent·​ing ˈpar-ənt-iŋ 

ˈper-

: the raising of a child by its parents

Medical Definition

parenting

noun

par·​ent·​ing ˈpar-ənt-iŋ, ˈper- 

: the raising of a child by its parents