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
Examples of childhood in a Sentence
diseases that can occur in childhood
Both men had unhappy childhoods.
Recent Examples on the Web
On the trip, Jaliya reconnects with Andre, her childhood crush—and also starts to fall for a new acquaintance named India.
—
Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
But unlike the revenue from the legacy Lottery, the proceeds from online Lottery ticket sales will support early childhood education and care.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026
Another friend, whom Kuras had known since childhood, was hit in the leg, before leaping overboard to escape the hail of bullets.
—Tommy Trenchard, NPR, 31 May 2026
In my experience, invisibility was part of childhood.
—Peter Hessler, New Yorker, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for childhood
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Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
But unlike the revenue from the legacy Lottery, the proceeds from online Lottery ticket sales will support early childhood education and care.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026
Another friend, whom Kuras had known since childhood, was hit in the leg, before leaping overboard to escape the hail of bullets.
—Tommy Trenchard, NPR, 31 May 2026
In my experience, invisibility was part of childhood.
—Peter Hessler, New Yorker, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for childhood
Cite this Entry
“Childhood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/childhood. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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