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

There’s internal belief that Blough and quarterback Jayden Daniels are well-suited for one another, but there’s been some growing pains. — Jeff Howe, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Smaller companies in the space are also seeing new business, but not without growing pains. — Kevin Williams, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026

The movie centers itself on Pete Townshend’s contradictions, his growing pains, his turmoil, and his complexity as a human being and rock artist. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026

Like with all new skills, there may be some growing pains that come with adjusting. — Gavin Escott, USA Today, 3 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