stepparent

noun

step·​par·​ent ˈstep-ˌper-ənt How to pronounce stepparent (audio)
Synonyms of stepparentnext
: a person who is a stepmother or stepfather

Examples of stepparent 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.
In the series, Gabby’s biological parents, as well as both of her stepparents, are very candid about their daughter and her murder, which seemed painful to recount. — Addie Morfoot, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025 Petito’s parents and stepparents worked closely with the producers to make sure their late daughter’s story not only gets its due but also helps people in similar situations, her mother, Nicole Schmidt, told East Idaho News. — Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 17 Feb. 2025 Where are Gabby Petito’s parents now? More than three years after their daughter's death, Gabby's parents and stepparents have discussed how their grief has brought them closer together. — Jordana Comiter, People.com, 17 Feb. 2025 The firm's lawyers have vast experience in family law for different categories of family legal matters such as divorce, custody of children, legitimation, name changes, or even adoption by a stepparent or relative. — Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stepparent

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stepparent was in 1840

Rhymes for stepparent

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Browse Nearby Words

step out of line
stepparent
stepparenting
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Cite this Entry

“Stepparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stepparent. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

stepparent

noun
step·​par·​ent ˈstep-ˌpar-ənt How to pronounce stepparent (audio)
-ˌper-
: a person who is a stepmother or stepfather

More from Merriam-Webster on stepparent

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for stepparent

Nglish: Translation of stepparent for Spanish Speakers

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