childhood

noun

child·​hood ˈchī(-ə)ld-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce childhood (audio)
Synonyms of childhoodnext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Idaho Statesman began running investigative stories on auto airbag safety, early childhood education, immunization and workers’ compensation for farm workers. Idaho Statesman, 16 Dec. 2025 And, of course, the book It is told in a non-linear format, with the adult Losers mentally shifting back to their childhoods. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 15 Dec. 2025 Our childhood home was quiet at night, sitting on a cul-de-sac encircled by a meeting of trees whose heads bowed toward the center as if in prayer. Literary Hub, 15 Dec. 2025 In March, Fergie — who shares son Axl Jack with ex-husband Josh Duhamel — celebrated her 50th birthday with an emotional letter to her childhood self shared to Instagram. Jack Irvin, PEOPLE, 15 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for childhood

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of childhood was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Childhood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/childhood. Accessed 17 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

childhood

noun
child·​hood ˈchīld-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce childhood (audio)
: the state or time of being a child

Medical Definition

childhood

noun
child·​hood ˈchīld-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce childhood (audio)
: the state or period of being a child

More from Merriam-Webster on childhood

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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