childhood

noun

child·​hood ˈchī(-ə)ld-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce childhood (audio)
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
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.
During their childhood in South Africa during the 1970s and 80s, while Elon was reading science fiction novels, Kimbal, who is 15 months younger, was already cultivating his love of food and cooking. John Hyatt, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025 The actor opened up to the panel audience about how his childhood was shaped by his many years filming the show Jaleel White is reflecting on his status as a '90s icon for many kids who grew up during the decade. Erin Clack, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025 His childhood was full of hospital appointments and emergency room visits. Ashley Killough, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2025 Although most blindness occurs with age, other forms of blindness occur during childhood, which can have a variety of causes. Heidi Cope, Health, 19 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for childhood

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of childhood was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Childhood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/childhood. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

childhood

noun
child·​hood ˈchīld-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce childhood (audio)
: the state or time of being a child

Medical Definition

childhood

noun
child·​hood ˈchīld-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce childhood (audio)
: the state or period of being a child

More from Merriam-Webster on childhood

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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