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

When mice at Patricia Hunt’s lab at Washington State University began losing fetuses with devastating birth defects — facial deformities and missing hindquarters — or failed to reproduce at all, Hunt immediately put on her detective hat. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

And while a prospective cohort of 168 first-trimester exposures found no increased risk of major birth defects or pregnancy loss, the sample is too small to be reassuring. — Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Animals with the birth defect, which results in a shorter spine, have gained popularity in recent weeks due to the virality of Jimothy. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 31 July 2026

The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, 24, was born with a cleft lip, which is a birth defect that occurs in a baby when the upper lip doesn’t fully close during development. — Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 22 July 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