upbringing

noun

up·​bring·​ing ˈəp-ˌbriŋ-iŋ How to pronounce upbringing (audio)
Synonyms of upbringingnext
: early training
especially : a particular way of bringing up a child
had a strict upbringing

Examples of upbringing 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.
Schlanger’s pride in his Jewishness forced Goldstein to reflect on her upbringing. — John Blake, CNN Money, 5 July 2026 The entire team, regardless of politics or upbringings, has leaned into the unique brand of patriotism that this World Cup has whipped up. — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 5 July 2026 A lot of his songs chronicle his childhood and upbringing in a small town outside of Lisbon, and also offer an outlet for the soccer player, who calls himself a shy person. — Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 6 July 2026 Similar to the original film, Elle learns to leave behind some of the preconceived notions that her rich upbringing gave her and embrace authenticity. — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for upbringing

Word History

First Known Use

1520, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of upbringing was in 1520

Rhymes for upbringing

See All Rhymes for upbringing

Browse Nearby Words

upbreathe
upbringing
upbuild
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

upbringing

noun
up·​bring·​ing ˈəp-ˌbriŋ-iŋ How to pronounce upbringing (audio)
: the process or way of bringing up and training
had a strict upbringing

More from Merriam-Webster on upbringing

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for upbringing

Nglish: Translation of upbringing for Spanish Speakers

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