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

Resilience has become one of those parenting buzzwords that shows up everywhere—in school mission statements, on social media, and in conversations about preparing kids for the real world. —Parents, 30 May 2026

But among the six siblings, it could be said that Maddox has led the way in making a statement about Pitt’s parenting. —Martha Ross, Mercury News, 29 May 2026

Taylor is part of a growing class of ultra-wealthy questioning whether passing down enormous fortunes is really good parenting. —Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 27 May 2026

The figure represents a shift in support and understanding around pregnancy, postpartum and parenting. —Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 27 May 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