childhood

noun

child·​hood ˈchī(-ə)ld-ˌhu̇d 

1

: the state or period of being a child

2

: the early period in the development of something

Synonyms of childhood

• youth
• adolescence

Examples of childhood in a Sentence

diseases that can occur in childhood

Both men had unhappy childhoods.

Recent Examples on the Web

An Apple Watch was a bridge from childhood to adulthood. —Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 4 May 2026

Today, scientists know the thymus plays an essential role in setting up a functioning immune system in childhood, but then starts to rapidly shrink into obsolescence in puberty. —Carolyn Y. Johnson, Washington Post, 3 May 2026

The moment was especially impactful given that Delany had spent most of her childhood admiring the Oscar-winning actor. —Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 3 May 2026

Qi'ra Before Han Solo hooked up with Princess Leia, Qi'ra was his childhood sweetheart on Corellia. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 3 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing childhood

• childhood friend
• second childhood

Rhymes for childhood

• allgood
• basswood
• beechwood
• bellwood
• birchwood
• boxwood
• boyhood
• brushwood
• cordwood
• dogwood
• driftwood
• falsehood

Kids Definition

childhood

noun

child·​hood ˈchīld-ˌhu̇d 

: the state or time of being a child

Medical Definition

childhood

noun

child·​hood ˈchīld-ˌhu̇d 

: the state or period of being a child