childhood
noun
child·hood
ˈchī(-ə)ld-ˌhu̇d 
1
: the state or period of being a child
2
: the early period in the development of something
Examples of childhood in a Sentence
diseases that can occur in childhood
Both men had unhappy childhoods.
Recent Examples on the Web
After months of clashes on multiple issues, the 2025 legislative session ended last week with new legislation passed on the state budget, early childhood education, gun safety, affordable housing and electricity prices.
—
Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 8 June 2025
Reactive narcissism, however, tends to form as a response to neglectful, inconsistent or abusive childhood experiences.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
This cookie, made with a deliciously crispy exterior of cornflakes, has a perfectly sweet interior thanks to maraschino cherries—a forever childhood favorite.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 7 June 2025
In January 2022, Dow spoke candidly with CBS This Morning about how childhood stardom had led him to feel a lack of autonomy.
—Meredith Wilshere, People.com, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for childhood
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Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 8 June 2025
Reactive narcissism, however, tends to form as a response to neglectful, inconsistent or abusive childhood experiences.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
This cookie, made with a deliciously crispy exterior of cornflakes, has a perfectly sweet interior thanks to maraschino cherries—a forever childhood favorite.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 7 June 2025
In January 2022, Dow spoke candidly with CBS This Morning about how childhood stardom had led him to feel a lack of autonomy.
—Meredith Wilshere, People.com, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for childhood
Cite this Entry
“Childhood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/childhood. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
childhood
noun
child·hood
ˈchīld-ˌhu̇d
: the state or time of being a child
Medical Definition
childhood
noun
child·hood
ˈchīld-ˌhu̇d
: the state or period of being a child
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