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.
So Kinzounza drew resentment from her stepmother and from her siblings, who were jealous of the attention and special treatment. Brad Schmitt, Nashville Tennessean, 19 Oct. 2025 In Return From the Ashes (1965), Eggar schemed to murder her stepmother (Ingrid Thulin), a concentration camp survivor. Chris Koseluk, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025 The best part was my stepmother’s family. Essence, 13 Oct. 2025 Among her notable works was producing the ABC Theatre presentation of The Shadow Box, directed by her father and starring her stepmother, Joanne Woodward. Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 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 22 Oct. 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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