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

And that really showed up in her parenting of me. —Literary Hub, 24 Apr. 2026

Kennedy, a clinical psychologist and mom of three, needed no introduction in this crowd of mothers, caregiving brand reps and parenting influencers who gathered in Austin, Texas, to talk all things content creation, business building and motherhood. —Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026

The AirTag detail is the kind of shareable parenting moment that lives rent-free in group chats. —Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 23 Apr. 2026

From surprise proposals to solo parenting, glam getaways to growing pains, this is the new era of reality TV where the chaos is couture — and the bonds are unbreakable. —Peter White, Deadline, 22 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