growing pains

plural noun

1

: pains in the legs of growing children having no demonstrable relation to growth

2

: the stresses and strains attending a new project or development

Examples of growing pains in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Otherwise, there’s a long-term risk of star players aging out, a lack of next wave to replace them and the growing pains of a rebuild on the horizon. —Murat Ates, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025

Issues like quality assurance, packaging, barcoding and retailer compliance mirror the growing pains many micro- and small-sized businesses face when entering major marketplaces. —Andre Claudio, Sourcing Journal, 8 Oct. 2025

While growing pains are expected, the franchise is set to make a strong first impression in front of an eager new fan base. —Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025

Rookie growing pains As expected, Knueppel’s fellow rookies Liam McNeeley and Ryan Kalkbrenner had their share of positive plays sprinkled in with a few that were unforgettable. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for growing pains

• aeroplanes
• appertains
• ascertains
• entertains
• hurricanes
• hyperplanes
• windowpanes
• abstains
• achenes
• alkanes
• attains
• biplanes

Kids Definition

growing pains

plural noun

1

: pains in the legs of growing children having no proven relation to growth

2

: difficulties that accompany something new

a business going through growing pains

Medical Definition

growing pains

noun plural

grow·​ing pains ˈgrō-iŋ-ˌpānz 

: pains occurring in the legs of growing children having no demonstrable relation to growth