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

Former Spice Girls star Mel C chose a different parenting route than her famous friends. —Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 26 Jan. 2026

By Jones is a writer with a strong focus on health, parenting, disability, and feminism. —Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 26 Jan. 2026

Friendships can help in parenting but not all of them are positive. —Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 25 Jan. 2026

Sometimes that advice can come off as judgmental, Greenberg said, when really grandparents might be questioning their own parenting choices from years ago. —Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 24 Jan. 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