preterm

adjective

pre·​term (ˌ)prē-ˈtərm How to pronounce preterm (audio)
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
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.
In the market for preterm nutrition, Abbott and Mead Johnson compete with each other, not against the use of human milk, the companies told KFF Health News. David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026 Another study published last year found that Medicaid recipients with doulas had a 47% lower risk of C-sections and a 29% lower risk of preterm birth and were 46% more likely to go to a postpartum checkup. Laura Ungar, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026 One landmark study by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) has shown that an extra-uterine system can support extremely preterm lambs for weeks. Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 28 Mar. 2026 Studies have shown doulas can decrease the rates of preterm births, cesarean sections and postpartum depression. Zinhle Essamuah, NBC news, 21 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preterm

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of preterm was in 1928

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preterm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preterm. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

Medical Definition

preterm

adjective
pre·​term -ˈtərm How to pronounce preterm (audio)
: of, relating to, being, or born by premature birth
preterm infants
a preterm delivery
preterm labor
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