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

Lerner, who has two young daughters, has spoken of the parallels between writing and parenting. —Giles Harvey, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026

Reid Wiseman Leading the nearly 10-day mission is a widower who considers solo parenting — not rocketing to the moon — his biggest and most rewarding challenge. —Marcia Dunn, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2026

There’s no version of parenting that prepares you for this. —Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2026

Individual centers can differ widely from each other and may provide a range of services such as pregnancy tests, parenting classes, diapers, maternity clothes and more, typically at no cost. —Emily Brindley health Reporter, Dallas Morning News, 27 Mar. 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