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 a post on the AITA subreddit, the original poster (OP) explained that their husband's stepmother goes camping every weekend. —Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025

Advertisement With Lee Heon away, Jesan convinces Queen Ja-hyeon (Shin Eun-jung), Heon’s stepmother, to support her young son’s ascent to the throne. —Kayti Burt, Time, 29 Sep. 2025

Prosecutors described Sanaa Cunningham’s death as the result of a murder plot concocted by her father and stepmother, Germayne and Lisa Cunningham, following months of abuse and neglect. —Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 29 Sep. 2025

As the dynasty outsider, Henry (Boszhardt) must battle his ruthless stepmother (Gershon), who is under the influence of a demon that feeds on greed. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 24 Sep. 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