childhood
noun
child·hood
ˈchī(-ə)ld-ˌhu̇d 
1
: the state or period of being a child
2
: the early period in the development of something
Examples of childhood in a Sentence
diseases that can occur in childhood
Both men had unhappy childhoods.
Recent Examples on the Web
Along with sharing recipes from her own childhood, Garner has also been joined by special guest Ina Garten, shortly after the Food Network star’s 76th birthday.
—
Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025
The urgent concerns of childhood—or, rather, the helpless intensity of anguish with which one watches one’s childhood disappear—are rendered very vividly indeed by Louise Meriwether.
—Literary Hub, 22 Dec. 2025
Lukas’s memories of Farm Aid go back to early childhood.
—Alex Abramovich, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
Having begun her music career as a childhood performer, Hay has released two studio albums, 2003's High in the Saddle and 2004's Cowboys, Guitars, and a Lil Bit of Swing.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for childhood
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Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025
The urgent concerns of childhood—or, rather, the helpless intensity of anguish with which one watches one’s childhood disappear—are rendered very vividly indeed by Louise Meriwether.
—Literary Hub, 22 Dec. 2025
Lukas’s memories of Farm Aid go back to early childhood.
—Alex Abramovich, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
Having begun her music career as a childhood performer, Hay has released two studio albums, 2003's High in the Saddle and 2004's Cowboys, Guitars, and a Lil Bit of Swing.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for childhood
Cite this Entry
“Childhood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/childhood. Accessed 29 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
childhood
noun
child·hood
ˈchīld-ˌhu̇d
: the state or time of being a child
Medical Definition
childhood
noun
child·hood
ˈchīld-ˌhu̇d
: the state or period of being a child
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