upbringing

noun

up·​bring·​ing ˈəp-ˌbriŋ-iŋ How to pronounce upbringing (audio)
: early training
especially : a particular way of bringing up a child
had a strict upbringing

Examples of upbringing 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.
Despite a challenging upbringing and dropping out of high school, Munoz found solace and purpose in dance. Reia Li, AZCentral.com, 6 July 2025 Like many of the sides on the menu, including the cacti de gallo (marinated green cactus, avocado, and tomato), the dish was influenced by the flavors of her upbringing. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 4 July 2025 Corenswet dons the cape this time as Superman, who must reconcile his alien Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as reporter Clark Kent. Nada Aboul Kheir, Deadline, 3 July 2025 Probation officials will also submit a recommendation to Subramanian after carrying out a presentence investigation, which examines factors like someone’s criminal history, upbringing, family and community, professional experience, and mental health. Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for upbringing

Word History

First Known Use

1520, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of upbringing was in 1520

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Upbringing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upbringing. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

upbringing

noun
up·​bring·​ing ˈəp-ˌbriŋ-iŋ How to pronounce upbringing (audio)
: the process or way of bringing up and training
had a strict upbringing

More from Merriam-Webster on upbringing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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