step-parent: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Not automatically. A step-parent typically has no automatic legal parental responsibility or rights (e.g., custody, decision-making) unless they formally adopt the child or obtain a parental responsibility order.

A step-parent is connected through marriage to a biological parent and is usually a permanent family member. A foster parent provides temporary care for a child under the arrangement of a child protection authority, without necessarily being related.

Yes, in many jurisdictions, a step-parent can adopt their stepchild, but this usually requires the consent of the other biological parent or termination of that parent's rights, and it legally replaces the child's original parent-child relationship with the non-custodial biological parent.

Both are acceptable. 'Step-parent' (hyphenated) is often preferred in British English, while 'stepparent' (closed) is common in American English. Consistency within a text is key.

A person who is married to one's biological parent but is not one's biological mother or father.

Step-parent is usually neutral to formal; common in legal, social work, and everyday family contexts. in register.

Step-parent: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstep ˌpeə.rənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstep ˌper.ənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.