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

Reflecting on fatherhood in an October 2023 interview with The Guardian, Jagger admitted parenting has changed with each new child. — Emily J. Shiffer, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026

As part of a condition of his release, a judge ordered him to take 12 parenting classes, records show. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 28 July 2026

Just hours after Mia Bieniemy, the wife of Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, was shot at the family’s home in Virginia, Tavia Hunt shared a bittersweet reflection about motherhood from a parenting blog. — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026

Protecting the ‘Parental Bandwidth’ One of the biggest taboos in modern parenting is admitting your limits. — Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 25 July 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