stepfather

noun

step·​fa·​ther ˈstep-ˌfä-t͟hər How to pronounce stepfather (audio)
Synonyms of stepfathernext
: the husband of one's parent when distinct from one's natural or legal father

Examples of stepfather 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.
Peter, Nissa’s stepfather, couldn’t get past page 37 of the book. — Literary Hub, 26 June 2026 Alex’s stepfather, Jake Hinkle, introduced him to the sport at a young age. — Michael Silver, New York Times, 23 June 2026 The prosecutor said Walker called her stepfather about an hour after Simpson left. — Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 During the early morning hour of Saturday, his stepfather fell asleep while sitting at the dining room table, police said. — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for stepfather

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Rhymes for stepfather

See All Rhymes for stepfather

Browse Nearby Words

stepfamily
stepfather
step fault
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stepfather.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stepfather. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

stepfather

noun
step·​fa·​ther ˈstep-ˌfät͟h-ər How to pronounce stepfather (audio)
: the husband of one's mother when distinct from one's natural or legal father

More from Merriam-Webster on stepfather

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for stepfather

Nglish: Translation of stepfather for Spanish Speakers

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