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 of parenting

• 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 'bad mom con' Previous generations ran into parenting feedback at social gatherings like school picnics and backyard barbecues, said Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code and founder and CEO of Moms First. —Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 7 June 2026

Over the past decades, a quiet cultural shift has redefined the standards of modern parenting. —Nina Bandelj, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2026

However, the LaBrants know all too well that parenting isn't always as simple as passing out juice boxes to their five kids, sons Beckham, 2, and Zealand, 5, and daughters Sunday, 3, Posie, 7, and Everleigh, 13. —Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026

Subscribe now » Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan is an award-winning freelance writer and editor who focuses on climate solutions, environment, the outdoors, travel, and parenting. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026

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