childbirth

noun

child·​birth ˈchī(-ə)l(d)-ˌbərth How to pronounce childbirth (audio)
: the act or process of giving birth to a baby : parturition

Examples of childbirth in a Sentence

women who choose to undergo childbirth without the use of anesthetics and other drugs
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
China is moving to expand access to pain relief during childbirth as part of efforts to encourage mothers to have more children. Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 June 2025 Few feel this more than athletes, whose livelihoods rely on their physical performance, which can shift dramatically after childbirth. Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 10 June 2025 It's been studied for diabetic foot ulcers, surgical incisions to the perineum during childbirth (episiotomies), and abscesses.5 Manuka honey is your best bet for wound care. Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 23 May 2025 Understanding Society, the largest longitudinal household panel study of its kind, focused on the U.K. and found that, three years after childbirth, 90% of new fathers were in full-time work or self-employment compared to 27.8% of new mothers. Eva Epker, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for childbirth

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of childbirth was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Childbirth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/childbirth. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

childbirth

noun
child·​birth ˈchīl(d)-ˌbərth How to pronounce childbirth (audio)
: the act or process of giving birth to children

called also parturition

Medical Definition

childbirth

noun
child·​birth ˈchīl(d)-ˌbərth How to pronounce childbirth (audio)
: the act or process of giving birth to a baby : parturition

More from Merriam-Webster on childbirth

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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