Dictionary

stepmom en · NOUN

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *(s)tew- Proto-Germanic *steupa- Proto-West Germanic *steupa- Old English stēop- Middle English step- English step- English mom English stepmom From step- + mom.

Meanings

1. (US, informal) Stepmother.
   • Now that I’m a stepmom legally, I would argue that it’s a wonderful role: You learn how to parent with your partner before the stress of a newborn comes into the mix. 2020 April 16, Chloe Caldwell, “I Always Wanted to Be a Stepmom”, in The New York Times:
   • Susan Sasse of Chesapeake City, Md., vice president of the International Stepfamily Association, a nonprofit group, said: "What I hear from new stepmoms all the time, especially with older kids, is, 'They just hate me. They don't want to give me a chance. They think I'm taking their dad.'" 2000 August 17, Tamar Lewin, “Differences Found in Care With Stepmothers”, in The New York Times:
   • A few years later when Doug and I got married, Cole, Ella, and I agreed that we didn’t like the term “stepmom.” Instead they came up with the name “Momala.” 2024 July 21, Kamala Harris, “Kamala Harris on Being ‘Momala’”, in ELLE:
   • The Papster, my stepmom, her sister Angela the psychoanalyst, and Angela's husband Eric the kazillionaire were strolling along the canal. 2011, Josh Axelrad, Repeat Until Rich:

Forms

Deriveds

ex-stepmom