stepfather

noun

step·​fa·​ther ˈstep-ˌfä-t͟hər How to pronounce stepfather (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Watkins' mother Gwen, daughter Savannah, brother Amon and stepfather Tony are among his surviving relatives, the safari company said. Alana Wise, NPR, 9 Aug. 2025 Then, in what seems nearly a plot contrivance, a cruel stepfather appeared. Dan Chiasson, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025 Strings’ stepfather, an accomplished amateur musician, introduced him to traditional bluegrass acts like Doc Watson, Del McCoury and Earl Scruggs, while Strings explored classic rock (Jimi Hendrix, the Grateful Dead) and metal (Black Sabbath, Def Leppard). Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 3 Aug. 2025 Six of the statements were from friends, colleagues and relatives who, like Linda and David Scarbrough, knew Robinson personally — her manager at the Wisconsin Club, her stepfather, an aunt, a cousin, a childhood friend. Ariela Lopez, jsonline.com, 2 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stepfather

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stepfather was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Stepfather.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stepfather. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

stepfather

noun
step·​fa·​ther ˈstep-ˌfät͟h-ər How to pronounce stepfather (audio)
: the husband of one's mother when distinct from one's natural or legal father

More from Merriam-Webster on stepfather

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