How Do You Spell GIRLHOOD?

Pronunciation: [ɡˈɜːlhʊd] (IPA)

The word "girlhood" refers to the state of being a girl, or the period of a girl's life. The pronunciation of this word in IPA phonetic transcription is [ɡɜːrlˌhʊd], which breaks down each sound of the word. The "g" is a voiced velar stop, the "ɜː" is a mid-central vowel, the "r" is a voiced alveolar approximant, the "l" is a voiced alveolar lateral approximant, the "h" is an unvoiced glottal fricative, the "ʊ" is a close back rounded vowel, and the "d" is a voiced alveolar stop. Understanding IPA allows for accurate pronunciation of words.

GIRLHOOD Meaning and Definition

1. Girlhood refers to the phase or period in a girl's life, typically starting in childhood and extending through adolescence, where she transitions from being a child to becoming a young adult woman. It encompasses the various experiences, emotions, and developments that are specific to girls during this time.

   During girlhood, girls undergo significant physical, emotional, and psychological changes as they mature physically, mentally, and socially. This includes the onset of puberty, which involves the development of secondary sexual characteristics such as breast growth and menstruation.

   Psychologically, girlhood is marked by the exploration and formation of identity, as young girls begin to shape their personality, values, and beliefs. They also start developing interests, aspirations, and ambitions, exploring different activities and hobbies as they try to discover their passions. Friendships and peer relationships become increasingly important during this stage, as girls seek acceptance and belonging among their peers.

   Societal expectations and gender roles also play a crucial role in girlhood. Girls may face societal pressures concerning their appearance, behavior, or societal roles. They might encounter gender stereotypes that dictate how they should act or perceive themselves, which can impact their self-esteem and self-perception.

   Ultimately, girlhood is a transformative period that lays the foundation for a girl's journey into womanhood. It is a time of growth, self-discovery, and learning, as girls navigate the complexities of adolescence and prepare to embrace adulthood.

2. The state of a girl.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for GIRLHOOD

• gurlhood
• girhood
• Girldhood
• Gurlhoot

Etymology of GIRLHOOD

The word "girlhood" is derived from the combining of two words: "girl" and "hood".

The term "girl" originated from Middle English "girle" or "gurle", which meant a young person of either sex (a child), or a young unmarried woman. It further developed from Old English "gyrela" or "gyrla", meaning young person, child, or maiden.

The word "hood" is derived from the Old English "hād", which referred to a state, condition, or quality. It has also been associated with the concept of a hooded garment, but in this case, it represents the abstract idea of a particular state or phase.

Combining "girl" and "hood" forms the word "girlhood", which refers to the state or period of being a girl—usually from childhood to adolescence or young adulthood.

Plural form of GIRLHOOD is GIRLHOODS