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

In addition to these testimonies, the documentary features access to Randall Fowler, Spacey’s older brother, who offers insight into their tumultuous childhood. —Michaela Zee, Variety, 8 May 2024

Food was at the center of their childhood: helping at Bill's, driving their father's food truck around to construction sites, and hanging out in the kitchen (elbows on the table) while their mother worked and talked. —Kathleen Purvis, Southern Living, 8 May 2024

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