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 1892, the trial of Lizzie Borden, who was accused of murdering her father and stepmother with an ax, became a national sensation. — Addie Morfoot, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026

Ella is about to graduate from high school and has had a difficult home life and relationship with her dad and stepmother. — Abigail Van Buren, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026

Charlotte, 12, Landon, 15, and their stepmother were among the victims of a shooting spree at a Billings home over the weekend, according to separate GoFundMes set up for each of the children’s parents. — Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026

Their visit to the English countryside marked the first time in four years Markle and the couple’s children saw Prince Harry’s father and stepmother. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 24 Aug. 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