stepmother

noun

step·​moth·​er ˈstep-ˌmə-t͟hər How to pronounce stepmother (audio)
: the wife of one's parent when distinct from one's natural or legal mother

Examples of stepmother 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.
Mitchell is accused of breaking into her stepmother’s house in Detroit Lakes last year and is set to go to trial for felony burglary after the end of the legislative session in May. Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 29 Jan. 2025 The father and stepmother then turned their frustration on the OP, claiming their inaction was enabling division within the family. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025 Baena is survived by Plaza; his mother, Barbara Stern; his stepfather, Roger Stern; his father, Scott Baena; his stepmother, Michele Baena; his brother, Brad Baena; his stepsister, Gabay Fluxman; and his stepbrother, Jed Fluxman. EW.com, 13 Jan. 2025 Advertisement Baena is survived by his mother, Barbara Stern; father Scott Baena; stepfather Roger Stern; stepmother Michele Baena; brother Brad Baena; stepsister Bianca Gabay; and stepbrother Jed Fluxman. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for stepmother 

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near stepmother

Cite this Entry

“Stepmother.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stepmother. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

stepmother

noun
step·​moth·​er -ˌmət͟h-ər How to pronounce stepmother (audio)
: the wife of one's father when distinct from one's natural or legal mother

More from Merriam-Webster on stepmother

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