childhood

noun

ˈchī(-ə)ld-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce childhood (audio)
Definition of childhoodnext
as in youth
the state or time of being a child enjoy your childhood—it won't last forever

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of childhood Her company’s past projects include work for the Denver Art Museum and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, as well as early childhood education centers. — John Wenzel, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2026 Are there productions of your parents’ that stand out in your childhood backstage memories? — Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2026 The decision Misty makes as the film enters its third act is partly precipitated by her bipolar kind-of brother, her lone touchstone to a troubled childhood that’s kept frustratingly vague. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026 Earlier this year, Troy Williams told a reporter about his difficult childhood growing up in the projects in New York City. — Breaking News, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for childhood
Recent Examples of Synonyms for childhood
  1. youth
  2. adolescence
Noun
  • Once a staple among cowboys and railroad workers, the Lee 101 became a symbol of youth rebellion in the 1950s, when James Dean popularized the jeans and helped solidify their association with biker culture.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Los Angeles County’s Department of Arts and Culture is building its 2028 effort around existing grants, youth programs, public art and neighborhood partnerships, Director Kristin Sakoda said.
    — Jane Horowitz, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of youth
Noun
  • According to earlier studies, babies who respond more negatively to these tasks have higher levels of depression and anxiety in adolescence.
    — Catherine Demers, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The films form a trio of emotional studies of adolescence shaped by grief.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of adolescence

Phrases Containing childhood

Browse Nearby Words

childbirths
childhood
childish
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Cite this Entry

“Childhood.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/childhood. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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