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

Whistler by Ann Patchett When Daphne Fuller unexpectedly reunites with her former stepfather at the Metropolitan Museum of Art decades after a life-altering childhood separation, their resurfaced bond reignites a connection neither is willing to lose. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 13 June 2026

Police learned that Rempuszewski was the father of the 6-month-old and the stepfather of the 5-year-old. —Patrick Damp, CBS News, 12 June 2026

Marx wrote that at age 7, his stepfather put his hand around his own and forced him to shoot and kill a man. —Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 11 June 2026

That included his stepfather, Ed Kovac, the homicide cop and former Marine who’d had a partner on the force who was gay. —Los Angeles Times, 7 June 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