stepmother

word

/ˈstɛpˌməðɝ/
STEP-muh-thur
/stˈɛpmʌðɐ/
STEP-muh-thuh

Definition

A stepmother is a woman who is married to your father but is not your biological mother.

Usage & Nuances

'Stepmother' is neutral, but in stories, it can have a negative connotation (like in fairy tales). Used for both formal and informal contexts. Do not confuse with 'mother-in-law' (your spouse's mother).

Example Sentences

My stepmother cooks delicious food.

basic

She became my stepmother when I was ten.

basic

My stepmother and I went shopping together.

basic

At first, it was hard to get used to having a stepmother.

natural

Some fairy tales describe the stepmother as mean, but that's not always true in real life.

natural

My stepmother and my dad travel a lot now that they’re retired.

natural