cerebral palsy

noun

: a disability resulting from damage to the brain before, during, or shortly after birth and outwardly manifested by muscular incoordination and speech disturbances

cerebral-palsied

sə-ˈrē-brəl-ˈpȯl-zēd 

ˈser-ə-, 

ˈse-rə-

adjective

Examples of cerebral palsy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Paul, who has cerebral palsy and is blind, has a passion for music. — Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 20 July 2026

Along with Day-Lewis, Fricker won an Oscar for her performance in the movie about an Irish man born with cerebral palsy who could control only his left foot. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 17 July 2026

Fricker became the first Irish woman to win an Academy Award in 1990 for best supporting actress for her portrayal of the determined mother of Christy Brown, who was born with cerebral palsy and could control only his left foot. — ABC News, 17 July 2026

The film told the true story the real-life Irish artist and writer (played by Day-Lewis), who was born with cerebral palsy and could control only his left foot. — Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 17 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

cerebral palsy

noun

: a disease resulting from damage to the brain usually before or during birth and resulting in imperfect control of muscles, paralysis, and speech disturbances

Medical Definition

cerebral palsy

noun

: a disability resulting from damage to the brain before, during, or shortly after birth and outwardly manifested by muscular incoordination and speech disturbances see ataxic cerebral palsy, athetoid cerebral palsy, spastic cerebral palsy

cerebral palsied adjective