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

The herbicide has been linked to potential thyroid issues and birth defects in humans. — Sacbee.com, 15 Aug. 2026

And rubella risks causing severe birth defects in pregnant women. — Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026

The Blink-182 drummer said fetal surgery, which is usually done to treat a life-threatening birth defect before birth, per Cleveland Clinic, was required. — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026

When mice at Patricia Hunt’s lab at Washington State University began losing fetuses with devastating birth defects — facial deformities and missing hindquarters — or failed to reproduce at all, Hunt immediately put on her detective hat. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 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