birth defect

noun

: a physical or biochemical defect that is present at birth and may be inherited or environmentally induced

Examples of birth defect in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

April is health awareness month for cervixes, birth defects, glaucoma, thyroids and substance use disorder. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026

The agency’s modern-day role was defined in 1962, after thalidomide caused birth defects in thousands of babies around the world. —Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026

These can include birth defects, stillbirth, and preterm birth, as well as an increased risk of having a cesarean (C-section) delivery. —Rob Williams, EverydayHealth.com, 6 Apr. 2026

Finasteride is an off-label treatment for women that Dunaway finds to be effective, but healthcare providers avoid prescribing it to women who could become pregnant because of the risk of birth defects. —Nicole Hernandez, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1864, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

birth defect

noun

: a serious defect (as in physical or mental function) that is present at birth and is inherited or caused by something that happens or exists in the environment

Medical Definition

birth defect

noun

: a physical or biochemical defect (as cleft palate, phenylketonuria, or Down syndrome) that is present at birth and may be inherited or environmentally induced