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

Katie Leung as Lady Araminta Gun Sophie's stepmother and later employer, Lady Araminta Gun, is a formidable woman. —Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026

Leung now joins Bridgerton as Lady Araminta Gun, Sophie's stepmother and employer, as well as the mother of Rosamund (Michelle Mao) and Posy (Isabella Wei). —Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Jan. 2026

Behind the mask is Sophie, the daughter of an earl who has been forced to become a servant by her cruel stepmother. —Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026

In addition to Cheng, Price is survived by his stepmother, Vivian Price and his brother Daniel Price. —Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 23 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