stepmother

noun

step·​moth·​er ˈstep-ˌmə-t͟hər 

: the wife of one's parent when distinct from one's natural or legal mother

Examples of stepmother in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But after Sophie’s father dies, she’s forced to become a maid herself by her wicked stepmother and stepsisters. —Jennifer Maas, Variety, 10 June 2026

Now, at the same time that his stepmother is drawing groans, however, Hunter is winning unexpected praise. —David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 8 June 2026

Burden has never been able to access the money in that particular trust — her late father ordered that the trust be used to care for his wife, Burden's stepmother, until her death, when whatever remaining funds would be split between Burden and her brother. —Emily Trainham, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2026

Her biological father and stepmother were staying in another cabin across the hall on the ship. —Melina Khan, USA Today, 28 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for stepmother

• another
• godmother
• grandmother
• stepbrother
• brother
• mother
• nother
• other
• smother
• souther

Kids Definition

stepmother

noun

step·​moth·​er -ˌmət͟h-ər 

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