nonparent

noun

non·​par·​ent ˌnän-ˈper-ənt How to pronounce nonparent (audio)
plural nonparents
: someone who is not another's parent
… should the trial court again consider granting custody or guardianship to a nonparent.— Teresa Bruno

Examples of nonparent 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.
The study found, for example, that nonparents have a role retention rate of 70% compared to parents at 81%, implying those with more family responsibilities are more likely to stay in their roles. — Leslie Smith, Forbes, 3 May 2023 Over half of parents (59%) report their financial strategy changed in the past year compared with just 41% of nonparents. — Megan Leonhardt, Fortune, 19 Apr. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonparent was in 1860

Rhymes for nonparent

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Browse Nearby Words

nonpareil
nonparent
nonparticipant
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Cite this Entry

“Nonparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonparent. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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