stepparent

noun

step·​par·​ent ˈstep-ˌper-ənt How to pronounce stepparent (audio)
: a person who is a stepmother or stepfather

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The proliferation of smut that features phony stepsiblings, or a fake stepparent with a stepson or stepdaughter, is evidence of our appetite for the outrageous. Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 19 Jan. 2023 This can look like the stepparent and the biological parent setting up a time to talk, says Williams. Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 15 Dec. 2022 In Kentucky, both biological parents of a child have to give their consent for a stepparent to legally adopt the child. Sean Scott, The Enquirer, 2 Aug. 2022 Seidelman noted that second-parent adoption, also known as stepparent adoption or an order of parentage, is a key way for LGBTQ parents, and particularly any who do not have gestational or biological ties to their child, to ensure legal protections. Allison Hope, CNN, 10 July 2022 The stepparent might help the stepchild with their homework or some other task upon request, but won’t nag the child to focus if they get distracted. Stephanie H. Murray, The Atlantic, 19 Apr. 2022 This could include how kids address stepparents, how often the other parent can communicate when the child isn’t with them, or even children disrespecting the stepparent. Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 28 Mar. 2022 Gabrielle Union doesn't like to be called a stepparent. Glenn Garner, PEOPLE.com, 21 Nov. 2021 Your position as a stepparent is both an asset and an impediment. Amy Dickinson, oregonlive, 30 Aug. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'stepparent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stepparent was in 1840

Dictionary Entries Near stepparent

Cite this Entry

“Stepparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stepparent. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

stepparent

noun
step·​par·​ent ˈstep-ˌpar-ənt How to pronounce stepparent (audio)
-ˌper-
: a person who is a stepmother or stepfather

More from Merriam-Webster on stepparent

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


Challenging Standardized Test Words, Vol. 2

  • a pencil broken in half on top of a test answer sheet
  • The business’s new computer system proved not to be a panacea.
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY