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

Synonyms

• youth
• adolescence

Examples of childhood in a Sentence

diseases that can occur in childhood

Both men had unhappy childhoods.

Recent Examples on the Web

That story is about Wendy leaving the nursery, letting go of her childhood against her will and finally growing up. —Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025

Although Devil Girl from Mars was typical of the silly, schlocky TV fare that Estelle watched on many afternoons during her childhood, this movie was more than entertainment for a bored, lonely girl-child. —Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2025

Oatmeal cookies with rich caramel buttercream filling will rival the ice cream sandwiches and Little Debbie treats of your childhood. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2025

Her childhood was spent working in her family’s home office or helping with their side hustle: a catering company born out of a love for cooking. —Olivia Rose, AZCentral.com, 17 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing childhood

• childhood friend
• second childhood

Rhymes for childhood

• allgood
• basswood
• beechwood
• bellwood
• birchwood
• boxwood
• boyhood
• brushwood
• cordwood
• dogwood
• driftwood
• falsehood

Kids 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