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

• nonage
• springtime
• youth

Examples of childhood in a Sentence

diseases that can occur in childhood

Both men had unhappy childhoods.

Recent Examples on the Web

The goal of the Family Place Libraries program is to encourage libraries to be a family-friendly environment and transform them into community centers for literacy, early childhood development, parent education and engagement, family support and community information. —Barbara D. Hathaway, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024

Moss has heard this voice, and others like it, since childhood. —Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2024

Bezos has also been involved with early childhood education efforts in the Louisville area, with plans to open four Bezos Academy locations here. —Keely Doll, The Courier-Journal, 21 Nov. 2024

Cher was briefly raised by nuns Cher’s early childhood was peppered with bouts of extreme poverty and tenuous. —Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing childhood

• childhood friend
• second childhood

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