preterm
adjective
pre·term
(ˌ)prē-ˈtərm 
ˈprē-ˌtərm
: of, relating to, being, or brought forth by premature birth
a preterm infant
preterm labor
Examples of preterm in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Research suggests less healthy dietary habits could be why rural pregnant women tend to have more pregnancy complications, such as preterm birth, gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders.
—
Alex Crisp, The Conversation, 17 Feb. 2026
Doctors have prescribed it for more than 50 years for many off-label indications, including in women with threatened miscarriage, as well as in protocols to prevent preterm birth.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 16 Feb. 2026
Early research has shown promising outcomes, including a drastic drop in evictions and fewer preterm births and neonatal intensive care unit admissions.
—Nushrat Rahman, Freep.com, 9 Feb. 2026
Unless a woman has had a preterm labor previously, preterm labor is difficult to predict, McDonald said.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preterm
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Alex Crisp, The Conversation, 17 Feb. 2026
Doctors have prescribed it for more than 50 years for many off-label indications, including in women with threatened miscarriage, as well as in protocols to prevent preterm birth.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 16 Feb. 2026
Early research has shown promising outcomes, including a drastic drop in evictions and fewer preterm births and neonatal intensive care unit admissions.
—Nushrat Rahman, Freep.com, 9 Feb. 2026
Unless a woman has had a preterm labor previously, preterm labor is difficult to predict, McDonald said.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preterm
Cite this Entry
“Preterm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preterm. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
preterm
adjective
pre·term
-ˈtərm
: of, relating to, being, or born by premature birth
preterm infants
a preterm delivery
preterm labor
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