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

And Aaron Babier, a PhD candidate at the University of Toronto, developed AI software that reduces radiation therapy planning time from days to just 20 minutes after his stepmother died from a brain tumor. —Craig S. Smith, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

That backstory laid the groundwork for her character, who is forced to work as a maid for her evil stepmother, Lady Araminta Gun (played by Katie Leung), after the death of her father. —Madeline Hirsch, InStyle, 19 Jan. 2026

Gary Rajotte, who died in 1995, wasn’t a member of the Hells Angels but associated with former members who knew his father, as his former stepmother told The Bee in 1995. —Graham Womack updated January 15, Sacbee.com, 16 Jan. 2026

Rinna is also the stepmother of Hamlin’s son Dimitri. —Emy Lacroix, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026

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