: the husband of one's parent when distinct from one's natural or legal father
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebCharles became Tom’s godfather (and now is also his stepfather). Kevin Sullivan, Washington Post, 14 Sep. 2022 The Arizona man who flagged down a deputy in the middle of the road last week to confess to killing his stepfather is accused of shooting him in a dispute about the Bible, authorities said. Mirna Alsharif, NBC News, 13 Sep. 2022 David Cañas, the lead investigator for the JPSO, interviewed six people: Alvarado and two colleagues, both of whom arrived on the scene after the use of force occurred, plus Arnold, her uncle and her stepfather. Gordon Russell, ProPublica, 12 Sep. 2022 His stepfather, however, cannot shake the dread of what would happen if there were another shooting. Paul J. Weber, Anchorage Daily News, 6 Sep. 2022 Jameion Peterson, 14, was arrested in connection with the death of Na’Mylah J. Turner-Moore, 10, who was reported missing and whose body was later discovered in a lot near her stepfather’s house, MLive.com reported. Lawrence Richard, Fox News, 3 Sep. 2022 The actress has experience with the celebrity set, as her stepfather is Oscar winner Al Pacino.ELLE, 31 Aug. 2022 Georgia authorities say an 11-year-old boy stole his stepfather’s pickup truck and fled pursuing officers at high speeds before the vehicle veered into mud and got stuck. Georgia News, ajc, 31 Aug. 2022 His stepfather had been diagnosed as having Stage IV cancer; his brother had just been convicted on drug and gun charges. Charles Bethea, The New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2022 See More
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