preterm
adjective
pre·term
(ˌ)prē-ˈtərm 
ˈprē-ˌtərm
: of, relating to, being, or brought forth by premature birth
a preterm infant
preterm labor
Examples of preterm in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Prenatal sleep problems such as short sleep, sleep apnea and restless sleep can lead to preterm births and low birth weight in newborns.
—
Jenalee Doom, The Conversation, 12 Dec. 2025
Athena was born prematurely in January, and Beatrice has spoken out about the emotions that come with welcoming a preterm baby.
—Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 2025
Predictably, women — and specifically unvaccinated women — who had COVID during their pregnancy often became sicker, and the risk of fetal loss and preterm birth was higher.
—cleveland, 1 Dec. 2022
Asian and Pacific Islander mothers saw the largest preterm birth increase.
—Nada Hassanein, USA TODAY, 17 Nov. 2022
See All Example Sentences for preterm
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Jenalee Doom, The Conversation, 12 Dec. 2025
Athena was born prematurely in January, and Beatrice has spoken out about the emotions that come with welcoming a preterm baby.
—Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 2025
Predictably, women — and specifically unvaccinated women — who had COVID during their pregnancy often became sicker, and the risk of fetal loss and preterm birth was higher.
—cleveland, 1 Dec. 2022
Asian and Pacific Islander mothers saw the largest preterm birth increase.
—Nada Hassanein, USA TODAY, 17 Nov. 2022
See All Example Sentences for preterm
Cite this Entry
“Preterm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preterm. Accessed 22 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
preterm
adjective
pre·term
-ˈtərm
: of, relating to, being, or born by premature birth
preterm infants
a preterm delivery
preterm labor
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