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

The Middlebrooks are currently staying at the house while their 4-year-old Casey, recovers from surgery for cerebral palsy. —Nakell Williams, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cerebral palsy is a group of disorders where the brain develops abnormally. —Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026

McClintic, who had cerebral palsy, was in the care of a provider through Sacramento County’s In-Home Supportive Services Public Authority at the time of his death, according to the lawsuit filed last week in Sacramento Superior Court by his sister. —Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 16 Apr. 2026

Alongside the emotional weight came physical concerns tied to her cerebral palsy. —Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 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