stepfather

noun

step·​fa·​ther ˈstep-ˌfä-t͟hər 

: the husband of one's parent when distinct from one's natural or legal father

Examples of stepfather in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In a statement released by Acton's campaign, her brother, Philip Stearns, said the two were removed from their mother Donna Arthur's custody as children after their stepfather, Arthur's husband, was indicted for raping Acton as a child. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026

Her mother and her stepfather, released on bond, left Ohio without facing charges, the news site said. — Caroline Linton, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

In postwar Spain, a young girl discovers a mysterious labyrinth and a magical world while living under the rule of her brutal stepfather. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2026

The child’s mother, Cindy Rodriguez-Singh, fled the United States along with Noel’s stepfather right before an Amber Alert was issued for the little boy. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for stepfather

• forefather
• godfather
• grandfather
• bother
• father

Kids Definition

stepfather

noun

step·​fa·​ther ˈstep-ˌfät͟h-ər 

: the husband of one's mother when distinct from one's natural or legal father