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

In the States, the National Women’s Soccer League is a booming business, working through the delicate growing pains of figuring out how to bridge grassroots support with rapid expansion. — Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2026

There were rough lessons and growing pains in the major leagues. — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026

However, working side by side with her husband has sometimes come with its own growing pains, Harper pointed out. — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Despite some growing pains, Okot’s minutes have continued to increase, reaching a career-high 22 minutes in the July 11 game against Portland. — Micahya Costen, AJC.com, 28 July 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