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

While debating the bill, a majority of the party tried to label the legislation as unnecessary and predatory against kids who have a hard enough time navigating childhood. —Matt Galka, Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2025

While anger is something everyone experiences at one time or another, most people learn to control it during childhood. —Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2025

This may be why individuals with a neurodevelopmental or mental health challenge, such as ADHD or anxiety in childhood, can experience higher rates of dementia later in life. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025

My childhood was filled with hours of detangling, tidying, and styling. —Shani Hillian, Allure, 15 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing childhood

• childhood friend
• second childhood

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