stepmother

noun

step·​moth·​er ˈstep-ˌmə-t͟hər 

: 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

In Greek myth, the siblings survive their stepmother’s attempt to sacrifice them to the gods by flying away on a ram with a golden fleece. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 May 2025

At Tom and Molly’s re-sentencing in November 2023, both Jack and Sarah stood before the judge and the court to speak out against their former stepmother. —Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 10 May 2025

Leyla: Turkish drama following a young woman seeking revenge on her stepmother after her family is destroyed. —Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025

Blinded by love, Hilmi doesn’t see the torment Leyla’s new stepmother inflicts on her, turning their home into a living nightmare. —Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 8 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for stepmother

• another
• godmother
• grandmother
• stepbrother
• brother
• mother
• nother
• other
• smother
• souther

Kids Definition

stepmother

noun

step·​moth·​er -ˌmət͟h-ər 

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