stepmother

noun

step·​moth·​er ˈstep-ˌmə-t͟hər 

: the wife of one's parent when distinct from one's natural or legal mother

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Snook is also stepmother to Lawson's son from a previous relationship. —Shania Russell, EW.com, 30 May 2023

The teenager was declared missing by his stepmother on January 27, 2020, and in March, she was arrested in connection with his disappearance. —Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 9 May 2023

At the trial, prosecutors introduced the jury to Gannon Stauch through a recording of him with Leticia Stauch, where he could be heard responding to a question from his stepmother, CBS Colorado reported. —CBS News, 4 Apr. 2023

But the towers her stepmother created, assisted by Elliott over the last few years, leave Leah awestruck. —Jeffrey Ann Goudie, BostonGlobe.com, 9 Mar. 2023

In this variation of the fairy tale, the wicked stepmother is replaced by a stepfather, Don Magnifico. —Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 16 Feb. 2023

Both Alcock and D’Arcy, portraying a royal who flaunts her empowered sexuality as much as her stepmother, Queen Alicent (played in early episodes by Emily Carey and later by Olivia Cooke), publicly plays the nurturing, dutiful wife, burn alongside him. —Robyn Bahr, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Dec. 2022

After her stepmother died, Beltré moved her father into her home in Fort Myers, Florida, in 2016. —Joanne Kenen, USA TODAY, 17 May 2023

In addition to her husband, son, and father, Ms. Silverstein leaves her stepmother, Beverly Shorin. —Alex Williams, BostonGlobe.com, 17 May 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

stepmother

noun

step·​moth·​er -ˌmət͟h-ər 

: the wife of one's father when distinct from one's natural or legal mother