stepfather

noun

step·​fa·​ther ˈstep-ˌfä-t͟hər How to pronounce stepfather (audio)
: the husband of one's parent when distinct from one's natural or legal father

Examples of stepfather in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Jackson, 18, and his stepfather Renzo Smith, 36, were shot and killed outside Richmond’s Altria Theater after the Huguenot High School graduation ceremony in June 2023, where hundreds of graduates and guests had gathered. Jennifer Henderson, CNN, 1 Mar. 2024 Smith, Jackson’s stepfather, also went to his vehicle and grabbed two guns, Tameeka Jackson-Smith, wife and mother of the victims, testified Tuesday. Olivia Diaz, Washington Post, 1 Mar. 2024 Yacht 'was their home' Buro thinks his mother and stepfather could still be alive. Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 27 Feb. 2024 Carl's mother, Sharon Radke, and stepfather, Lou, also joined the group. Erin Clements, Peoplemag, 24 Feb. 2024 Her stepfather, veteran Hollywood armorer Thell Reed, often was away on film sets but raised Gutierrez-Reed. Rebecca Keegan, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Feb. 2024 Was Jim Mordecai—husband, stepfather, and step-grandfather—actually a notorious serial killer? Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 11 Feb. 2024 University City High School’s 144-pound Michael Cantor remembered three people who made things possible — his late father Todd, his mother and stepfather. Kevin J. Farmer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2024 Sarah died young, leaving him in the warm care of Mrs. Wilson (Michelle Fairley), a financially comfortable widow who took them both in, and her farmhand Ned (Mark McKenna), who’s both a stepfather figure and a friend. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stepfather.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near stepfather

Cite this Entry

“Stepfather.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stepfather. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

stepfather

noun
step·​fa·​ther ˈstep-ˌfät͟h-ər How to pronounce stepfather (audio)
: the husband of one's mother when distinct from one's natural or legal father

More from Merriam-Webster on stepfather

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