stepmother

/ˈstɛpmʌðə/noun

A woman married to one's father who is not one's biological mother.

Example sentences

“His stepmother helped him with his homework every evening.”
“Her stepmother always remembers her birthday with a handwritten card.”

Fairy tales gave English the stock phrase 'wicked stepmother', an association the neutral word itself does not carry.

Synonyms for stepmother

stepmom

Related words

mentorAn experienced person who guides and advises someone with less experience.godmotherA woman who agrees at a child's baptism to help guide the child's upbringing, especially in the Christian faith.grandparentThe mother or father of one of your parents.widowA woman who has lost her husband to death and has not remarried.grandchildThe son or daughter of your own child.groomA man on his wedding day, or one who is soon to be married.