childhood

noun

child·​hood ˈchī(-ə)ld-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce childhood (audio)
Synonyms of childhoodnext
1
: the state or period of being a child
2
: the early period in the development of something

Synonyms of childhood

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Examples of childhood in a Sentence

diseases that can occur in childhood Both men had unhappy childhoods.
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.
Out of the shadows The sudden death of Panettiere, who spent her childhood and teen years starring in big-budget films, has infused nuance into the conversation about maternal mental health. — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026 There’s nothing wrong with holding on to childhood and being a little immature from time to time. — Loren Savini, Allure, 22 Aug. 2026 The grounds feature an approximately 800-square-foot guesthouse, deep swimming pool and spa, tennis and pickleball court, mature landscaping, a private dock and a collection of childhood attractions built for the family’s children and grandchildren. — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 22 Aug. 2026 How To Instill Healthy Eating Habits in Kids Experts share that healthy eating starts in the home during childhood and involve so much more than what’s on a nutrition label. — Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for childhood

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of childhood was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing childhood

Rhymes for childhood

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Browse Nearby Words

child-free
childhood
childhood friend
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Cite this Entry

“Childhood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/childhood. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

childhood

noun
child·​hood ˈchīld-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce childhood (audio)
: the state or time of being a child

Medical Definition

childhood

noun
child·​hood ˈchīld-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce childhood (audio)
: the state or period of being a child

More from Merriam-Webster on childhood

Nglish: Translation of childhood for Spanish Speakers

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