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

Scientists also haven’t found strong evidence that SSRIs are linked to autism or birth defects. —Aria Bendix, NBC news, 24 Feb. 2026

Demand at the Ronald McDonald House has grown as South Florida hospitals expand specialty care for complex and sometimes life-threatening pediatric conditions, including cancer, organ transplantation, birth defects and other conditions. —Michelle Marchante february 19, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026

At least 12 of the 169 chemicals detected in the new analysis have been associated with cancer, birth defects and reproductive issues and are included in California’s Proposition 65 hazardous chemicals list. —Aude Konan, Scientific American, 11 Feb. 2026

The cautions say the products can expose people to lead salts, which can cause birth defects or reproductive harm, and methylene chloride (MC) and HC, both known to cause cancer. —Minneapolis Star Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 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