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

Synonyms of childhood

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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.
Bree has spent most of her childhood in and out of hospitals. — Janey Wetzel, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026 The strongest segments were the flashbacks to Kara’s childhood on Argo City. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 4 July 2026 The dramatic expansion of the city’s early childhood system will require a similarly rapid scaling of its workforce. — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 4 July 2026 Lartson, who has lived in the Kansas City area for several years after spending nearly two decades in Colorado, said soccer has been part of his life since childhood. — Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026 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

Phrases Containing childhood

Rhymes for childhood

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Browse Nearby Words

child-free
childhood
childhood friend
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Cite this Entry

“Childhood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/childhood. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of childhood for Spanish Speakers

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