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

Online, Martinez, who appeared on season 22 of The Bachelor, has opened up about being a mom and her parenting journey. — Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2026

McCartney has just infused her signature design codes into a collection of strollers and accessories made with Bugaboo, a Dutch design company that specializes in high-end parenting gear. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 15 Sep. 2026

Or perhaps as a slender volume whose first chapter signals its interest in parenting and dating in a blue collar Yorkshire town cast in a permanent pall of mist. — Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 15 Sep. 2026

The common thread among them is many, many hours spent cramming parenting and their careers into each day. — Tilly Berendt, New York Times, 11 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