: the wife of one's parent when distinct from one's natural or legal mother
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebThe outstanding criminal charges against the stepmother were to be discussed at Thursday's hearing. Chris Harris, Peoplemag, 9 Sep. 2022 The stepmother was also caught on video teasing the boy about being hungry, and telling him to eat his own feces. Chris Harris, PEOPLE.com, 10 June 2022 Online court records show the stepmother, Amy Rodriguez Dangel, faces 11 child endangerment charges. Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 31 May 2022 Open your heart to your husband’s daughter; there is no need to be the wicked stepmother. Annie Lane, oregonlive, 22 May 2022 Open your heart to your husband’s daughter; there is no need to be the wicked stepmother.cleveland, 22 May 2022 This also sets your sister up for failure, as the hard-working future stepmother of a young adult. Amy Dickinson, Detroit Free Press, 24 Apr. 2022 This also sets your sister up for failure, as the hard-working future stepmother of a young adult. Amy Dickinson, Chicago Tribune, 23 Apr. 2022 Narrated by Soneela Nankani, the book is told from the perspective of the defiant and oft-vilified Queen Kaikeyi, the stepmother of Prince Rama.New York Times, 21 Apr. 2022 See More
Word History
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of stepmother was before the 12th century