growth

noun

ˈgrōth 

1

a(1)

: a stage in the process of growing : size

(2)

: full growth

reached his growth

b

: the process of growing

a substance that promotes the growth of new cells

c

: progressive development : evolution

the growth of a civilization

personal and emotional growth

d

: increase, expansion

the growth of the oil industry

2

a

: something that grows or has grown

a growth of willows

b

: an abnormal proliferation of tissue (such as a tumor)

c

: outgrowth

d

: the result of growing : product

picking the garden's growth

a business that was a growth of the new field

3

: a producing especially by growing

fruits of his own growth

4

: anticipated progressive product of growing especially in capital value and income

Some investors prefer growth to immediate income.

Synonyms of growth

• tumor

Examples of growth in a Sentence

He had a growth spurt when he was 16 years old.

She's concerned that the medication might slow her child's growth.

He discovered a substance that promotes the growth of new blood vessels.

The city has undergone explosive growth in recent years.

He sees his college years as an opportunity for personal growth.

It's important to prune the bush every year to encourage new growth.

Their profits have averaged five percent growth in the last four years.

The tree has an average annual growth of almost a foot.

a thick growth of underbrush

Recent Examples on the Web

The Taurus Sun works beautifully with Jupiter in your 7th House of Partnership, bringing growth through collaboration, feedback, and supportive connections. —Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 10 May 2026

Her hospital bed was positioned with her feet elevated above her head for four days while doctors injected her with steroids to help speed her son’s lung growth. —Tina Sturdevant, New York Times, 10 May 2026

No winter protection is necessary for trees in warm-weather zones but winter is the best time for pruning to keep their growth in check and maintain their shape. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 10 May 2026

Onions can be used as a companion plant to carrots to keep away the destructive carrot fly, a pest that can stunt the growth of carrots and even destroy entire plantings. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

grow + -th entry 3

First Known Use

1557, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing growth

• anti-growth
• epidermal growth factor
• fibroblast growth factor
• growth area
• growth company
• growth cone
• growth cycle
• growth factor
• growth hormone
• growth industry
• growth potential
• growth regulator
• growth ring
• growth spurt
• human growth hormone
• insulin-like growth factor
• nerve growth factor
• old-growth
• second growth

Rhymes for growth

• both
• doeth
• loath
• oath
• quoth
• sloth
• troth
• ingrowth
• outgrowth
• undergrowth

Kids Definition

growth

noun

ˈgrōth 

1

a

: stage or condition reached in growing : size

the dog hasn't reached full growth

b

: a process of growing especially through an increase in size or amount

a growth of wealth

good nutrition promotes growth

growth of a crystal

c

: a process of developing

the growth of civilization

2

: a result or product of growing

covered with a growth of mold

a thick growth of underbrush

3

: an abnormal mass of tissue (as a tumor or wart)

Medical Definition

growth

noun

ˈgrōth 

1

a(1)

: a stage in the process of growing

(2)

: full growth

b

: the process of growing

2

a

: something that grows or has grown

b

: an abnormal proliferation of tissue (as a tumor)