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

There, the group stays away from discussing cancer rates or birth defects, instead showing slides of pregnant, smiling women sitting next to containers of nuclear waste. —Zak Podmore, Denver Post, 21 Jan. 2026

Leaving a fever untreated can be dangerous for both the fetus and the mother, experts warn, increasing the risk of miscarriage, birth defects, high blood pressure and neurodevelopmental disorders. —Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 16 Jan. 2026

In 1990, research published in the Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health found that female Colombian flower workers, who were exposed to 127 different pesticides, had higher rates of premature births and birth defects. —Irenie Forshaw, TheWeek, 14 Jan. 2026

In making their decision, the panelists discussed a number of fringe ideas that aren’t supported by scientific evidence, including claims that injuries caused by Covid vaccines aren’t well-documented and that the shots can lead to cancer or birth defects. —Rebecca Shabad, NBC news, 13 Jan. 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