What does parent mean?
A parent is a father or mother, or someone who assumes responsibility for a child's care and upbringing. The term can also refer more broadly to an ancestor, or to the original source from which another organization, work, or word derives. As a verb, to parent someone means to raise, guide, and care for them with attention to their needs and development. In ordinary use, parent is often contrasted with child and may imply affection, guidance, protection, and responsibility, although its meaning can vary in legal, educational, and family contexts. The word is neutral with respect to gender and is frequently used in combinations such as “single parent,” “birth parent,” and “parent company.” Its Latin origin, parens, literally referred to a person who brought forth a child, reflecting the idea of parenthood as both biological connection and active care.
A father or mother, or a person who has parental responsibility or authority over a child.
"Each parent was asked to complete the questionnaire."
The term is neutral as to gender and can refer to adoptive, foster, legal, or de facto parents depending on context.
To care for, raise, guide, and take responsibility for someone as a parent does.
"They chose to parent their children with patience and flexibility."
The plural is standard when referring to the father and mother, or to multiple people who have parental responsibilities.
"The parents discussed the school's proposed changes."
The word has a remarkably literal beginning: Latin parens meant “one who brings forth,” a fitting origin for the person who brings a child into the world.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does parent come from?
The English word parent comes through Old French and Latin from parens, meaning “one who brings forth” or “a parent.” The Latin word belongs to the family of terms associated with parere, “to give birth” or “to produce.” Related English words include paternal and paternity, while patron also belongs to the broader Latin family associated with pater, “father.”
Related word forms
How parent is actually used
Parent is neutral and inclusive when referring to a father or mother. In legal and educational contexts, it can also include adoptive parents, guardians, or others recognized as having parental responsibility. As an attributive noun, it commonly forms phrases such as “parent company” and “parent body.”
Easily confused with parent
A parent is usually a biological or adoptive parent, whereas a guardian is someone legally or informally responsible for caring for someone, especially a child whose parents cannot do so.
A parent has a direct family relationship with a child, while a carer may look after someone without being their parent.