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

The actor explained that both his father and stepfather had died, while his mother was experiencing memory issues, making the move feel like the right decision. — Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026

Furious at her stepfather, Amanda phones the police, hoping the authorities can put a scare into him. — Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026

Filming ‘Roar’ Filming her mother and stepfather’s passion project, Roar, left the young actress with a scar after she was slashed by a lioness on set. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 6 Nov. 2026

The spot sparked national bipartisan backlash on grounds that Acton's mother had lost custody of her children decades ago after her husband, their stepfather, was indicted for raping Acton as a child. — Arkansas Online, 4 Nov. 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