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

Over the course of the ad, the two animals form a strong friendship, supporting each other through rain, snow, growing pains, and flying lessons. —Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 26 Jan. 2026

Hyper-growth comes with growing pains; cracks in the foundation appear. —Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 23 Jan. 2026

These shortfalls can’t be dismissed as a mere consequence of growing pains, because the stakes for public schools are so high. —Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2026

But the truth is their defense has been building to this, through growing pains and injuries, all year. —Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 20 Jan. 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
• achenes
• alkanes
• attains
• biplanes

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