# stepfather

/ˈstɛpˌfɑðɝ/ (US) · /stˈɛpfɑːðɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stepfather
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. parent by marriage

noun · CEFR A2

the man who is married to your mother or parent, but who is not your biological father.

For teachers: a male parent by marriage; the husband of one's mother or parent who is not one's biological father.

- After his mother remarried, his stepfather moved into their house and helped raise him.
- Although they were not related by blood, he maintained a close bond with his stepfather, who had supported him since early childhood.

Usage: The term is a countable noun and is often used to distinguish from a biological father.

Teaching tip: Learners should note that 'stepfather' refers to the legal or social relationship through marriage, whereas 'foster father' or 'adoptive father' refers to different legal arrangements.

## Examples

- My stepfather takes me to football practice every Saturday.
- After her mother remarried, she found it took several months to adjust to having a stepfather in the house.
- The novel explores the delicate emotional landscape of a young boy attempting to integrate his new stepfather into a family unit still mourning the loss of his biological father.

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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.