parenting

1 of 2

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

parenting

2 of 2

present participle of parent entry 2

Synonyms of parenting

Noun

• parenthood
• raising
• maternity
• mothering

Examples of parenting in a Sentence

Noun

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

Noun

And stressors like financial difficulties, illness, work responsibilities, parenting and major life changes can test even the most in-sync couples. — Anna Borges, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026

Co-parenting and dating each have the potential for high drama, but not a novel’s worth, not in and of themselves. — Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026

Across societies, women have universally done more direct parenting, and men have participated more frequently in community-level decision-making. — Christopher Von Rueden, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2026

The conversations will delve into pop culture, parenting, relationships, careers, money and politics. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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