childhood

Everyday

1. Childhood is the time of a person's life when they are a child. tree →
2. A childhood is the kind of life someone had as a child (a happy childhood). tree →

In the lessons

In stories and history, childhood memories explain who a character is; grown-ups often remember their childhood home, friends and games. In lessons about growing up, childhood comes before being a teenager and an adult. Phrases: in my childhood, childhood friend, childhood memories, early childhood, a happy childhood.

Examples

• Grandma spent her childhood on a farm. tree →
• He had a happy childhood by the sea. tree →
• They have been best friends since childhood. tree →
• This song reminds Dad of his childhood. tree →
• Childhood is a time for playing and learning. tree →
• She wrote a book about her childhood in Ireland. tree →
• Doctors give children vaccines in early childhood. tree →
• That old teddy bear was my childhood toy. tree →
• "Have you been obliged to toil in this way from your childhood?" tree →

Note

Mostly uncountable (in childhood), but countable for one person's kind of life (a hard childhood, their childhoods). Built from «child» + «-hood», like «neighbourhood». Spelt with one «d» before «h»: child-hood.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: Ecclesiastes tells young people to enjoy youth but remember that it passes quickly. Tradition reads this as urging that life be used well while one is young. In the primary lessons: In stories and history, childhood memories explain who a character is; grown-ups often remember their childhood home, friends and games. In lessons about growing up, childhood comes before being a teenager and an adult. Phrases: in my childhood, childhood friend, childhood memories, early childhood, a happy childhood.

Examples

• Therefore remove vexation from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh; for childhood and youth are vanity. (Writings ECC.11.10, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Mostly uncountable (in childhood), but countable for one person's kind of life (a hard childhood, their childhoods). Built from «child» + «-hood», like «neighbourhood». Spelt with one «d» before «h»: child-hood.