childbirth

noun

child·​birth ˈchī(-ə)l(d)-ˌbərth How to pronounce childbirth (audio)
: 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 But the book conjures most successfully the poignant pain of loss surrounding childbirth and child-rearing caused by the Sullivanian rules and mindset. Hannah E. Meyers, National Review, 10 Sep. 2023 Alabama has an alarming record on keeping expectant and new mothers alive, with a higher share of residents dying in pregnancy and during or shortly after childbirth than almost any other state. Bracey Harris, NBC News, 9 Sep. 2023 The result is an astonishing monologue about childbirth and motherhood. Talya Zax, The New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2023 The German Expressionist Paula Modersohn-Becker died at 31, from complications of childbirth, after leaving and then returning to her husband. Jillian Steinhauer, The New Republic, 21 Aug. 2023 There are many different ways to manage the discomforts of childbirth, including getting an epidural. Marisa Cohen, Parents, 12 Aug. 2023 Last Friday the Food and Drug Administration approved the first oral pill specifically targeted to treat postpartum depression—the most common complication of childbirth. Lucy Tu, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2023 This supplement is specifically designed to support the nutritional needs of new mothers after pregnancy loss and childbirth. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 31 July 2023 Stroke risk was elevated in the first 30 days after delivery among the women who had undergone treatments, and the odds continued to rise through the year after childbirth. Roni Caryn Rabin, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'childbirth.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near childbirth

Cite this Entry

“Childbirth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/childbirth. Accessed 25 Sep. 2023.

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

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