Definition

Noun: A person who marries one's parent after the death or divorce of the other parent; a stepfather or stepmother.

Usage

The term "stepparent" refers specifically to the new spouse of a person's biological or legal parent. It describes a familial relationship created through marriage, not through birth or adoption. It is a neutral, factual term.

Examples

• After my father remarried, his new wife became my stepparent.
• It can take time to build a strong relationship with a stepparent.
• The survey asked if the children lived with a biological parent or a stepparent.

Advanced Usage

• Legal and Social Context: The role and legal rights of a stepparent can vary significantly by jurisdiction. In many places, a stepparent does not automatically have legal custody or financial responsibility for their stepchild, unlike a biological or adoptive parent.
• "Stepparent" as a Generic Term: The word is often used in general discussions about blended families. For specific reference, the gendered terms "stepfather" and "stepmother" are more common.

Variants and Related Words

• Stepfather (n): A man who is married to one's parent after the death or divorce of the other parent.
• Stepmother (n): A woman who is married to one's parent after the death or divorce of the other parent.
• Stepchild (n): A child of one's spouse from a previous relationship.
• Blended family (n): A family consisting of a couple and their children from current and previous relationships.

Synonyms

• Stepmother/Stepfather: These are the direct, gendered synonyms.
• Parent's spouse: A more formal or descriptive phrase.

Notes on Meaning

The core meaning of "stepparent" is defined by the marital relationship to one's parent. It does not inherently describe the quality of the relationship (which can be close and parental or distant), nor does it confer specific legal parental status. The prefix "step-" originates from Old English, relating to a connection caused by bereavement.

Noun

1. the spouse of your parent by a subsequent marriage