stepmother

noun

step·​moth·​er ˈstep-ˌmə-t͟hər How to pronounce stepmother (audio)
Synonyms of stepmothernext
: 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.
Her stepmother was able to break open and widen a small hole, and pull her father out of the building. — Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026 Soon a wicked stepmother named Elvera and her brood came into the Jones family’s life. — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 3 July 2026 Her father later married Mary Blalock, who became her stepmother. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 2 July 2026 Rhaenyra promised Alicent her freedom, and somehow her stepmother stands before her, her eyes pleading for mercy. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 June 2026 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

Rhymes for stepmother

See All Rhymes for stepmother

Browse Nearby Words

stepmom
stepmother
stepmotherly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for stepmother

Nglish: Translation of stepmother for Spanish Speakers

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