childbirth

noun

child·​birth ˈchī(-ə)l(d)-ˌbərth 

: the act or process of giving birth to a baby : parturition

Synonyms of childbirth

• pregnancy
• childbearing
• delivery
• labor
• pains
• parturition
• contraction

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

Charo urged the government to ensure that hospitals are well-equipped to handle complications during childbirth, and to not leave frantic families waiting for information. — ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026

The Clancy case has prompted some mothers to share their own stories on social media of hallucinations, paranoia and suicidal thoughts after childbirth. — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026

This has led to higher average childbirth ages and record-low fertility rates. — Mimi Montgomery, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026

Blood pressure problems can persist or worsen in the initial days and weeks after childbirth, and preeclampsia can first appear during the postpartum period. — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing childbirth

• die in childbirth
• natural childbirth

Rhymes for childbirth

• rebirth
• stillbirth
• tamworth
• unearth
• afterbirth
• berth
• birth
• dearth
• earth
• firth
• girth
• mirth

Kids Definition

childbirth

noun

child·​birth ˈchīl(d)-ˌbərth 

: the act or process of giving birth to children

called also parturition

Medical Definition

childbirth

noun

child·​birth ˈchīl(d)-ˌbərth 

: the act or process of giving birth to a baby : parturition