parenting: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighNeutral to formal; widely used in everyday, academic, and professional contexts.
Quick answer
What does “parenting” mean?
The activity or process of raising a child from infancy to adulthood, including providing care, support, and guidance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The activity or process of raising a child from infancy to adulthood, including providing care, support, and guidance.
The actions, methods, and overall approach used in raising a child; the collective responsibilities and experiences associated with being a parent. Can also refer to the qualities, skills, or style one employs in this role.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. UK English may be slightly more inclined to use 'child-rearing' as a formal synonym, but 'parenting' is dominant in both.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries connotations of modern, often intentional, child-raising practices. In some contexts, can imply a focus on techniques or a specific philosophy (e.g., 'gentle parenting').
Frequency
Equally frequent and standard in both UK and US English. Its use has risen sharply since the late 20th century.
Grammar
How to Use “parenting” in a Sentence
[Adjective] + parenting (e.g., authoritative parenting)parenting + [Noun] (e.g., parenting guru)the [Noun] of parenting (e.g., the art of parenting)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “parenting” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They are parenting their children in a very mindful way.
- She finds parenting a toddler utterly exhausting.
American English
- He's actively parenting his kids while his wife is deployed.
- Parenting three children is no small feat.
adverb
British English
- This is not a parentingly friendly policy. (Rare/awkward, demonstrates typical non-use)
- He acted very parentingly towards his younger siblings. (Rare/non-standard)
American English
- She spoke parentingly to the lost child. (Rare/non-standard)
- The software is designed parentingly. (Rare/awkward, demonstrates typical non-use)
adjective
British English
- The parenting blog offered useful tips.
- They attended a parenting workshop at the community centre.
American English
- She read a parenting magazine while at the pediatrician's office.
- Their parenting style is quite relaxed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In HR or marketing contexts, e.g., 'parenting leave policies,' 'products for modern parenting.'
Academic
In psychology, sociology, and education research, e.g., 'a study on the effects of authoritarian parenting.'
Everyday
Common in general conversation, media, and blogs, e.g., 'I find parenting teenagers really challenging.'
Technical
Used in clinical or therapeutic settings, e.g., 'parenting interventions for at-risk families.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “parenting”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “parenting”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “parenting”
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a good parenting' – incorrect; should be 'good parenting').
- Confusing 'parenting' (process) with 'parents' (people).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral and acceptable in both formal and informal contexts. In very formal academic writing, 'child-rearing' or 'upbringing' might be preferred in certain disciplines.
Yes, the verb 'to parent' (from which 'parenting' is derived) is standard, though less frequent than the noun. It means to act as a parent to a child.
'Parenting' refers to the actions, practices, and process of raising children. 'Parenthood' refers to the state or condition of being a parent.
No, 'parenting' is an uncountable (mass) noun. You cannot have 'two parentings'. You can refer to different 'parenting styles' or 'approaches to parenting'.
The activity or process of raising a child from infancy to adulthood, including providing care, support, and guidance.
Parenting: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpeə.rən.tɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈper.ən.tɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Parenting is a marathon, not a sprint.”
- “The parenting handbook (used figuratively for non-existent perfect guide).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: PARENT + ING = the ING (ongoing action) of being a PARENT.
Conceptual Metaphor
PARENTING IS A JOURNEY / PATH (e.g., 'the parenting journey,' 'navigating parenting'), PARENTING IS A SKILL / CRAFT (e.g., 'parenting skills,' 'master the art of parenting').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the primary focus of the word 'parenting'?