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

Hatz is a professional athlete who shares that she was born with a rare birth defect. —Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 29 May 2026

Now, Facing the World has evolved to focus mainly on Vietnam, where facial birth defects are up to 10 times higher than in neighboring countries due to the ongoing effects of Agent Orange. —Ellise Shafer, Variety, 28 May 2026

Testing and scans revealed that Grant had a rare birth defect called partial anomalous pulmonary venous return, or a PAPVR, which improperly circulates blood through the chambers of the heart. —Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2026

Not all fetuses exposed to alcohol have birth defects or go on to develop intellectual disabilities, researchers say. —Isabella Cueto, STAT, 19 May 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