stepmother

noun

step·​moth·​er ˈstep-ˌmə-t͟hər How to pronounce stepmother (audio)
: the wife of one's parent when distinct from one's natural or legal mother

Examples of stepmother 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.
Scourton’s father and stepmother were at EverBank Field on Sunday to support the young pass rusher. Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2025 The 7-year-old detailed abuse by her father and stepmother, whose 6-year-old daughter was also allegedly being abused, according to the court documents. Mike Stunson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Sep. 2025 Gutierrez added the family was under immense strain, with Zaragoza's father, who is on dialysis, holding on to hope of seeing his son again, while his stepmother juggles caregiving and medical appointments. Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025 The stepmother notes that her stepdaughter is very aware of the negativity coming from her mom. Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stepmother

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

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

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Cite this Entry

“Stepmother.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stepmother. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

stepmother

noun
step·​moth·​er -ˌmət͟h-ər How to pronounce stepmother (audio)
: the wife of one's father when distinct from one's natural or legal mother

More from Merriam-Webster on stepmother

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