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

This is what gentle parenting gets you, Rhaenyra. —Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 June 2026

His father, a neurosurgeon, had a demanding schedule, which meant that much of the parenting fell to Mahajan's mother. —Kamala Thiagarajan, NPR, 21 June 2026

Today, men are about as likely as mothers to say parenting is a key source of meaning and a central priority in their lives. —Darby Saxbe, Fortune, 21 June 2026

In many species, the males are just as adept at parenting as the females. —Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 20 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