parenting

noun

par·​ent·​ing ˈper-ən-tiŋ How to pronounce parenting (audio)
Synonyms of parentingnext
1
: the raising of a child by its parents
2
: the act or process of becoming a parent
3
: the taking care of someone in the manner of a parent

Synonyms of parenting

Relevance
See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of parenting in a Sentence

They share the responsibilities of parenting. as the big day approaches, the expectant couple are starting to get worried about their fitness for parenting
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.
Kirsten described disputes over parenting time, medical expenses, schooling and religious decisions involving Bridegan’s twins. — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 2026 While doing some parenting research online, the soon-to-be mom came across one of her followers’ registries, which inspired her to start clearing registries and kick off the partnership idea. — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026 But it was followed by years of acrimony over the parenting of their two children. — CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026 Emilie Kiser’s social media following has made her family’s parenting choices a frequent subject of public scrutiny. — Shayna Jacobs, NBC news, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for parenting

Word History

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of parenting was in 1918

Phrases Containing parenting

Browse Nearby Words

parenticide
parenting
parent-in-law
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Parenting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parenting. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

parenting

noun
par·​ent·​ing ˈpar-ənt-iŋ How to pronounce parenting (audio)
ˈper-
: the raising of a child by its parents

Medical Definition

parenting

noun
par·​ent·​ing ˈpar-ənt-iŋ, ˈper- How to pronounce parenting (audio)
: the raising of a child by its parents

More from Merriam-Webster on parenting

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about parenting

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!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of august

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 21

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
alt-684346df967d5
Add A Letter Quiz Pick the letter that goes in the same spot in fou...
See All