parental

[ puh-ren-tl ]

adjective

1. of or relating to a parent.
2. proper to or characteristic of a parent:

   parental feelings.

3. having the relation of a parent
4. Genetics. pertaining to the sequence of generations preceding the filial generation, each generation being designated by a P followed by a subscript number indicating its place in the sequence.

noun

1. Informal. one's parent: Also called pa·ren·tal u·nit [p, uh, -, ren, -tl , yoo, -nit].

   I'm headed for a vacation with the parentals.

Other Words From

• pa·rental·ly adverb
• inter·par·ental adjective
• nonpa·rental adjective
• nonpa·rental·ly adverb
• postpa·rental adjective
• unpa·rental adjective
• unpa·rental·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of parental¹

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin parentālis “of, belonging to parents,” equivalent to parent- “parent” + -ālis adjective suffix; parent, -al ¹

Example Sentences

But it has now been reappraised, with the ratings body ruling that "the detail and overall intensity" of violence in the film mean it should be a PG, which stands for parental guidance.

From BBC

A 2022 report by the National Council on Teacher Quality found that only 18% of the nation’s school districts offer some form of paid parental leave.

From Los Angeles Times

Minors can request it starting at the age of 12, but need parental consent until they are 16.

From BBC

He says the measure would allow children to get abortions without parental consent, something Amendment 4's backers reject.

From BBC

Strong evidence shows that poverty increases parental stress and the risk of child abuse and neglect.

From Salon

Related Words

• fatherly
• maternal
• paternal