stepmother

noun

step·​moth·​er ˈstep-ˌmə-t͟hər How to pronounce stepmother (audio)
: the wife of one's parent when distinct from one's natural or legal mother

Examples of stepmother in a Sentence

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.
According to prosecutors, the 27-year-old fatally shot his 52-year-old stepmother, Karen Gordon, and his 13-year-old half-sister, Kera Gordon, in their home in Falls Township, Pa., on March 16, 2024. Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 28 May 2025 Top-notch casting is the cherry on top, with Lily James as the supremely likable Cinderella, Richard Madden as her down-to-earth prince, Cate Blanchett as the detestable stepmother with her own imperfect backstory, and Helena Bonham Carter as one lovably flighty fairy godmother. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 26 May 2025 In August 2015, Lynch’s stepmother, Molly Martens, and her father, Tom Martens, killed her father, Jason Corbett, in their North Carolina home. Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 23 May 2025 Alongside the two leads, the cast includes Selma Blair as Tessa’s mom, Peter Gallagher as Hardin’s estranged father, and Jennifer Beals as Hardin's stepmother. Megan Vick, EW.com, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for stepmother

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

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

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Cite this Entry

“Stepmother.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stepmother. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

stepmother

noun
step·​moth·​er -ˌmət͟h-ər How to pronounce stepmother (audio)
: the wife of one's father when distinct from one's natural or legal mother

More from Merriam-Webster on stepmother

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