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

Steven Dickstein told the same outlet that behavior is a mix of temperament, development and parenting, and that parenting is the piece adults can actually change. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Rather than treating a tired parent’s short fuse as a personal failing, the research suggests sleep, stress and parenting operate as part of a larger system. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 11 Aug. 2026

Still, the findings suggest sleep, stress and parenting influence one another as part of a larger system of family well-being, and supporting parents’ sleep may be relevant to healthier parent-child interactions. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2026

Helicopter parenting is linked to higher anxiety and depression in emerging adults, alongside weaker self-regulation and lower belief in their own capability. — Jason Walker Psyd, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 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