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

Taking too much vitamin A can cause health problems, including birth defects if taken while pregnant. —Amanda Seitz, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2026

Taking too much vitamin A can cause health problems, including birth defects if taken while pregnant. —Kff Health News, Oc Register, 16 Mar. 2026

In the 1960s, Thalidomide, a drug marketed for morning sickness, left children around the world with irreversible birth defects; the United States avoided such a fate thanks to the FDA’s oversight. —Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026

Masters was born in Ukraine with birth defects believed to be related to the Chernobyl nuclear accident. —CBS News, 10 Mar. 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