childhood
CHYLD-huud
Childhood (noun) means the period of a person's life from birth to the onset of adolescence. Example: “She spent her childhood in a small coastal town.”
noun
1
The period of a person's life from birth to the onset of adolescence.
"She spent her childhood in a small coastal town."
"Many of his fears trace back to a difficult childhood."
"Her happiest childhood memories are of long summers by the sea."
How to use childhood
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe years of being a child, before you grow into a teenager or adult.
Common pairings
happy childhood
childhood memories
early childhood
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Word forms
- Plural
- childhoods
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She spent her _____ in a small coastal town.
Etymology
From Old English ċildhād, formed from "child" plus the suffix -hood, which marks a state or condition.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for childhood
See all rhymes for childhood →Frequently asked questions
What does “childhood” mean?
The word “childhood” means the period of a person's life from birth to the onset of adolescence. In plain terms, the years of being a child, before you grow into a teenager or adult.
How do you pronounce “childhood”?
“Childhood” is pronounced CHYLD-huud (/ˈtʃaɪld.hʊd/ in IPA).
How do you use “childhood” in a sentence?
Here is “childhood” used in a sentence: “She spent her childhood in a small coastal town.”
What part of speech is “childhood”?
“Childhood” is a noun.
Where does the word “childhood” come from?
The word “childhood” comes from Old English. From Old English ċildhād, formed from "child" plus the suffix -hood, which marks a state or condition.
Is “childhood” a common word?
“Childhood” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between childhood and adolescence?
Childhood is the earlier stage, running from birth until the body and mind begin the changes of puberty. Adolescence follows, bridging childhood and adulthood as a person matures physically and emotionally through the teenage years. In short, childhood ends roughly where adolescence begins, though the exact boundary varies from person to person.
What are the stages of childhood?
Childhood is often divided into infancy, the first year or so of life; toddlerhood, roughly ages one to three; early childhood or the preschool years; and middle childhood, covering the primary-school years up to about eleven or twelve. Each stage brings its own physical, emotional, and social milestones.
Why is childhood important?
Childhood lays the foundation for the rest of life. It is when the brain develops fastest and when basic language, movement, and social skills form. Early experiences, relationships, and learning shape health, personality, and future wellbeing, which is why a safe and supportive childhood matters so much for later development.
At what age does childhood end?
There is no single fixed age, because childhood ends with the onset of adolescence, which begins with puberty. This typically starts somewhere between about ten and thirteen, often a little earlier for girls than boys. Since bodies mature at different rates, the end of childhood naturally varies from one person to another.
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