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

Polansky shared that he and Gaga, born Stefani Germanotta, are inspired by friends Elton John and David Furnish's brand of parenting. —Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 13 Nov. 2025

About Grownsy Grownsy creates smart parenting tools that blend professional-grade protection with gentle, intuitive design. —Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 12 Nov. 2025

His approach to managing diabetes has actually helped his approach to parenting, too. —Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 11 Nov. 2025

Today’s learners are older, working, parenting, or returning to school later in life. —Yolanda Watson Spiva, Fortune, 8 Nov. 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