helicopter parent

noun

plural helicopter parents
: a parent who is overly involved in the life of their child

Examples of helicopter parent 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.
There weren’t as many helicopter parents in those days, and a lot of people lost track of their children. — Curbed Editors, Curbed, 23 June 2026 But not if Payton is a helicopter parent. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 25 Feb. 2026 The paradigmatic helicopter parent hovered from a distance and in most cases didn’t follow their child to college. — Russell Shaw, The Atlantic, 2 Nov. 2025 Canadian Shane is mild-mannered, sheltered and bred for his success by his hockey helicopter parents. — Sandra Gonzalez, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for helicopter parent

Word History

First Known Use

1989, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of helicopter parent was in 1989

Rhymes for helicopter parent

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Browse Nearby Words

helicopter
helicopter parent
helicorubin
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Helicopter parent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/helicopter%20parent. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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