growing pains

plural noun

1

: pains in the legs of growing children having no demonstrable relation to growth

2

: the stresses and strains attending a new project or development

Examples of growing pains in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some day, the Hornets may collectively look back on this occasion as part of the humbling growing pains of stepping up in classification in a sport that allows no grace period for transition. — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 27 Sep. 2026

For too long, the tech industry has treated these failures as the inevitable growing pains of innovation. — Jessica Vitiritti, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026

With high expectations surrounding the team and new coordinator Mike McDaniel in his first year, some growing pains are to be expected. — Jonathan Rubin, Charlotte Observer, 23 Sep. 2026

That, inherently, will come with growing pains as the roster continues to gel. — Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for growing pains

• aeroplanes
• appertains
• ascertains
• entertains
• hurricanes
• hyperplanes
• windowpanes
• abstains
• alkanes
• attains
• biplanes
• bloodstains

Kids Definition

growing pains

plural noun

1

: pains in the legs of growing children having no proven relation to growth

2

: difficulties that accompany something new

a business going through growing pains

Medical Definition

growing pains

noun plural

grow·​ing pains ˈgrō-iŋ-ˌpānz 

: pains occurring in the legs of growing children having no demonstrable relation to growth