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

Many small-business owners think hiring will solve their growing pains. —Leyda Lazo, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025

There are even actual kissing scenes sprinkled in the season (albeit very, very minimal ones) and heartbreak that comes with some growing pains between the daters. —Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2025

Wondery became the latest company to pivot to video, as the podcasting industry works through more growing pains. —Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2025

The variety of youngsters seeing significant action comes with its share of growing pains,showing up primarily on offense in Friday’s loss. —Kyle Kensing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 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