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

Early decisions and growing pains can and do compound. —Ellie Perlman, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025

WeGo’s program offering companies the chance to purchase monthly bus passes for their employees is growing at a rapid rate — but that’s come with growing pains for at least one partner. —Austin Hornbostel, Nashville Tennessean, 2 Sep. 2025

Sanseito has capitalized on the growing pains stemming from a surge in Japan’s foreign population. —Mireya Solís, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2025

Typically, when a team relies on a young quarterback, there are growing pains and learning curves. —Eduardo Razo, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025

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