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.
Linney’s Guardian tries to draw out some resentment from her new candidate, but John expresses (or feigns) sympathy for Hal, who was betrayed by his father figure Sinestro, an experience John likens to his own complicated upbringing. — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026 The episode cuts back and forth between John’s tense interview and his upbringing, revealing how John was conditioned to be fearless from a young age. — Matt Minton, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026 Brewer, Cardenas and Mendoza cited their own upbringings, while Kelly and Wilson jabbed at the mayor for framing crime as an issue of race. — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 Hailing from London as the son of hardscrabble fruit sellers, Winstone was often asked to channel his rough-and-tumble upbringing and pre-acting career as a boxer into mobster and villain roles. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Aug. 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 4 Sep. 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

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