stepmother

noun

step·​moth·​er ˈstep-ˌmə-t͟hər How to pronounce stepmother (audio)
Synonyms of stepmothernext
: the wife of one's parent when distinct from one's natural or legal mother

Examples of stepmother in a Sentence

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.
The younger Bolsonaro's campaign has faced headwinds since its start, with moderate political parties keeping their distance, a public rift with his stepmother and difficulties in finding a running mate. — ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026 In August 1892, Borden’s father, Andrew, and her stepmother, Abby, were brutally murdered in their home in Fall River, Massachusetts. — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2026 The news follows an ongoing dispute that began earlier this year between Amy; her stepmother and Levon's widow, Sandra Helm; and two additional LHS shareholders, Brian Parillo and Barbara O’Brien. — Alex Suskind, Pitchfork, 11 Aug. 2026 Since no will stating otherwise was ever found, if Lizzie’s father, Andrew, predeceased his wife, then her stepmother was to inherit his fortune, while the two spinster daughters would receive nothing. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stepmother

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Rhymes for stepmother

See All Rhymes for stepmother

Browse Nearby Words

stepmom
stepmother
stepmotherly
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Cite this Entry

“Stepmother.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stepmother. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

stepmother

noun
step·​moth·​er -ˌmət͟h-ər How to pronounce stepmother (audio)
: the wife of one's father when distinct from one's natural or legal mother

More from Merriam-Webster on stepmother

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for stepmother

Nglish: Translation of stepmother for Spanish Speakers

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