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Definition of stepparent

stepparent

/ˈstɛpˌpɛr.ənt/
step · par · ent
Plural:stepparents
•
Adjective:stepparental
•
Past Simple:stepparented
•
Past Participle:stepparented
•
Present Participle:stepparenting
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stepparent Lexical Profile

stepparent Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person who is married to one's mother or father, other than one's biological or adoptive parent; a stepfather or stepmother.

Example

"Becoming a supportive stepparent requires patience, empathy, and open communication with the children."

• verb

1

To act as a stepfather or stepmother to a spouse's child or children.

Example

"They have stepparented each other's children for nearly a decade with great care and mutual respect."

• Nearby Words

stepmom
stepmother
stepmotherly
stepparent
stepparenting
steppe
stepper

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the Old English prefix 'steop-' (originally denoting bereavement or orphanhood) combined with 'parent' (from Latin 'parens', meaning one who gives birth).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Stepparent. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/stepparent
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