childhood

noun

ˈchī(-ə)ld-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce childhood (audio)
Definition of childhoodnext
as in youth
the state or time of being a child enjoy your childhood—it won't last forever

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of childhood Soon enough, Neil and Florence stood in front of Neil’s childhood home, in 1995. — S. M. Reznik, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 Other female priests tell similar stories of childhoods spent deeply connected to Catholicism. — Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 Below, Konecy spoke to Deadline about his journey into game development, childhood influences, and the challenge of giving players the freedom to discover its secrets. — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 18 Oct. 2026 Since it was released in 1995, this song has come to embody the warmth of friendship and the nostalgia of childhood. — Stephanie Ganz Published, Parents, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for childhood
Recent Examples of Synonyms for childhood
  1. youth
  2. adolescence
Noun
  • Once a staple among cowboys and railroad workers, the Lee 101 became a symbol of youth rebellion in the 1950s, when James Dean popularized the jeans and helped solidify their association with biker culture.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Los Angeles County’s Department of Arts and Culture is building its 2028 effort around existing grants, youth programs, public art and neighborhood partnerships, Director Kristin Sakoda said.
    — Jane Horowitz, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of youth
Noun
  • According to earlier studies, babies who respond more negatively to these tasks have higher levels of depression and anxiety in adolescence.
    — Catherine Demers, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The films form a trio of emotional studies of adolescence shaped by grief.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of adolescence

Phrases Containing childhood

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childbirths
childhood
childish
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Cite this Entry

“Childhood.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/childhood. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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