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.
Her honesty about her feelings toward her stepfather began early. Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025 He is accused of killing his mother and stepfather, whose bodies were discovered in their Village of Waukesha home. Jim Riccioli, jsonline.com, 7 Oct. 2025 Raised in a musical household — his mother a singer, his stepfather a musician with a home studio — Thomas gravitated to drums and bass. Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025 Her stepfather moved to Italy during the trial and Knox’s imprisonment to be close to her and her legal team. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 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 15 Oct. 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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