Is Stepmother One Word or Two?

The correct spelling of ‘stepmother’ is as one word, without a space between ‘step’ and ‘mother’. This has been the standard spelling in English for centuries, and it is the only spelling recognized by major dictionaries and style guides.

History of the Spelling of ‘Stepmother’

The word ‘stepmother’ is derived from the Old English words ‘steop’ (meaning “step”) and ‘modor’ (meaning “mother”). In Old English, the word was written as two separate words, ‘steop modor’. However, over time, the two words merged into one, and the spelling ‘stepmother’ became the standard.

Usage of ‘Stepmother’

‘Stepmother’ is used to refer to the woman who is married to one’s father but is not one’s biological mother. It can also be used in a more general sense to refer to any woman who takes on the role of mother to a child who is not her own.

Here are some examples of how ‘stepmother’ is used in a sentence:

My stepmother is a kind and loving woman.
I have a great relationship with my stepmother.
My stepmother has always been there for me.

How to Determine Whether to Write ‘Stepmother’ as One or Two Words

In general, ‘stepmother’ should always be written as one word. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule.

When ‘step’ is used as an adjective. For example: “She is my step-mother.”
When ‘step’ is used as a noun. For example: “I have a step-mother and a step-father.”
When ‘step’ is used in a compound word. For example: “stepmotherly love”