parenting

noun

par·​ent·​ing ˈper-ən-tiŋ 

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

• parenthood
• raising
• maternity
• mothering

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

Silberman’s active lifestyle played into his parenting style, introducing his children to his own hobbies such as tennis, chess and water-skiing. —Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 2 May 2026

The pair will receive a recommendation about parenting time before their upcoming June 1 hearing. —Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026

In another 2024 case, Haddy failed to inform a client who lived in Mexico that their child’s mother had filed a motion to modify custody and parenting time agreements in order to prevent the child from joining them in Mexico for the summer. —Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 30 Apr. 2026

In his filing, Barash alleged that Storms, 42, has been experiencing mental health issues that compromise her parenting of their daughter, 12-year-old Harper. —Edward Segarra, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing parenting

• attachment parenting
• foster parenting

Kids Definition

parenting

noun

par·​ent·​ing ˈpar-ənt-iŋ 

ˈper-

: the raising of a child by its parents

Medical Definition

parenting

noun

par·​ent·​ing ˈpar-ənt-iŋ, ˈper- 

: the raising of a child by its parents