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

Synonyms

• nonage
• springtime
• youth

Examples of childhood in a Sentence

diseases that can occur in childhood

Both men had unhappy childhoods.

Recent Examples on the Web

This new study follows previous research which shows a jump in the rates of myopia, a condition that usually starts in childhood. —Katie Grant, Parents, 4 Mar. 2025

From her childhood sewing machine and early college sketches, to up-close looks at the Malcolm X zoot suits and Turkana-tribe inspired beadwork for Black Panther, the result was a comprehensive, full-circle story. —Essence, 4 Mar. 2025

Across the region, people echoed this sentiment about routine childhood vaccinations in interviews with the AP and The Texas Tribune. —Carlos Nogueras Ramos, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025

Ben Shelton didn’t grow up with childhood dreams of being the next Roger Federer, or the next Rafael Nadal. —Corey Seymour, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing childhood

• childhood friend
• second childhood

Rhymes for childhood

• allgood
• basswood
• beechwood
• bellwood
• birchwood
• boxwood
• boyhood
• brushwood
• cordwood
• dogwood
• driftwood
• falsehood

Kids 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