parenthood

[ pair-uhnt-hood, par- ]

noun

1. the state, position, or relation of a parent.

Other Words From

• non·parent·hood noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of parenthood¹

First recorded in 1855–60; parent + -hood

Example Sentences

Declining fertility rates are not just about people delaying parenthood, but about a growing trend of people not having children, says Brienna Perelli-Harris, professor of demography at the University of Southampton.

From BBC

One of the best parts of new parenthood is figuring out what your child is going to be for Halloween.

From Los Angeles Times

Katie, 38, from Wolverhampton, said she previously wanted three children, but being a step parent had changed her opinion due to “the stress” of parenthood.

From BBC

Because you have said that parenthood is scary.

From Salon

Sure, Trump's incel fans may have a dream of trapping a woman with pregnancy, but in reality, forced parenthood tends to be a detriment to both men's and women's economic futures.

From Salon

More About Parenthood

What does parenthood mean?

Parenthood is the state of being a parent.

A person enters parenthood when they become a parent. This most commonly happens when their child is born, but it can also happen through adoption or by marrying or becoming a partner to someone with children.

The terms motherhood and fatherhood are gender-specific versions of parenthood.

The related noun parenting can mean the same thing as parenthood, but it more commonly refers to the process of raising children or the methods and techniques used to do so, as in I didn’t know anything about parenting before I entered parenthood.

Example: People who have not experienced parenthood probably shouldn’t be so quick to criticize how other people parent their children.

Where does parenthood come from?

The first records of the word parenthood come from the 1850s. The suffix -hood indicates a state or condition—in this case, the state of being a parent. It’s used in the same way in words like motherhood, fatherhood, adulthood, and childhood.

Unlike adulthood, the start of parenthood is very definite—it begins when a person becomes a parent. After that, most parents consider parenthood to be a permanent state that lasts even after their children have grown up. In other words, once you become a parent, you never stop being one. Parenthood is usually considered very challenging due to all the difficulties of raising children, but it’s usually also considered very rewarding. It’s the toughest job you’ll ever love, as the saying goes.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to parenthood?

• nonparenthood (noun)

What are some synonyms for parenthood?

• parenting
• parentage

What are some words that share a root or word element with parenthood? 

• parent
• motherhood
• fatherhood
• childhood

What are some words that often get used in discussing parenthood?

• child
• children
• kids
• responsibility
• joy
• marriage
• single
• planned

How is parenthood used in real life?

The word parenthood is often associated with the many challenges that it involves.

Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik Welcome a Baby Girl: Relive Their Journey to Parenthood https://t.co/qEvvgxxxXz

— E! News (@enews) September 24, 2020

Welcome to parenthood. Your refrigerator is now a graveyard of your kids’ half-finished drinks.

— SpacedMom (@copymama) September 21, 2020

a picture of me and my son. because disabled parenthood needs more visibility 💖 pic.twitter.com/DBvaWVU2gX

— Kratababe93 🌞 (@ingabbjarna) September 20, 2020

 

 

Try using parenthood!

True or False?

Parenthood is usually thought to end when a parent’s child is an adult.