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 veteran actor played Ennis Stussy, stepfather of Carrie Coon's Gloria Burgle. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026

Richard is also dad to sons Alexander and James with his wife Alejandra Silva and a stepfather to her son, Albert, from a previous relationship. — Kelly Allen, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026

The daughter’s reaction, in particular, suggests an impressively mature desire to embrace change rather than loathe it—no small feat for a girl who just lost her stepfather and stepbrother to a tough divorce. — Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026

On Thursday, a boy called 911 from a neighbor’s home and said his stepfather had shot his mother, police said. — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 26 July 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