stepmother

/ˈstɛpmʌðə/noun

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

Example sentence

“His stepmother helped him with his homework every evening.”

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

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.widowSomeone whose husband or wife has died and who has not married again.grandchildThe son or daughter of your own child.groomA man on his wedding day, or one who is soon to be married.