# parent process

CEFR C1 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/parent-process
Updated: 2026-08-05

## Definition

a computer program that starts another program. The new program it creates is called a child process.

For teachers: the primary execution unit in a computing environment that spawns one or more subprocesses. It manages the lifecycle and resources of its child processes until they terminate.

## Examples

- The parent process creates a child process to handle the data.
- When you run a command in the terminal, the shell acts as the parent process for that command.
- If the parent process terminates unexpectedly before its children, the operating system must reassign the orphaned processes to a new supervisor.

## Usage notes

- used almost exclusively in technical contexts like computer science and operating systems.
- Teaching tip: use the family metaphor (parent/child) to explain the hierarchy of software execution and resource inheritance.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.