childbirth

noun

child·​birth ˈchī(-ə)l(d)-ˌbərth How to pronounce childbirth (audio)
Synonyms of childbirthnext
: the act or process of giving birth to a baby : parturition

Examples of childbirth in a Sentence

women who choose to undergo childbirth without the use of anesthetics and other drugs
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ali said her traumatic delivery experience led her to raise awareness of the discrimination black women face during pregnancy, childbirth, and other medical treatments. Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026 Many women assume bladder changes are simply part of life—something that comes with aging, childbirth or menopause. Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 1 May 2026 Some programs prepare students to answer Jewish legal questions in particular areas, such as practices during menstruation or childbirth. Michal Raucher, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2026 The infant had died shortly after childbirth in early April, according to authorities. Doug Myers, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for childbirth

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of childbirth was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Childbirth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/childbirth. Accessed 15 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

childbirth

noun
child·​birth ˈchīl(d)-ˌbərth How to pronounce childbirth (audio)
: the act or process of giving birth to children

called also parturition

Medical Definition

childbirth

noun
child·​birth ˈchīl(d)-ˌbərth How to pronounce childbirth (audio)
: the act or process of giving birth to a baby : parturition

More from Merriam-Webster on childbirth

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster