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

Despite the talent the group had last season, the Bulldogs definitely had some growing pains. —Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2025

There were growing pains, for sure, though Klubnik has only gotten better and heads into 2025 as a serious Heisman candidate. —Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025

The story aims to celebrate the vibrancy of Bollywood Fusion Dance, the growing pains of young adulthood and the lasting power of friendship. —Katcy Stephan, Variety, 19 Aug. 2025

There will be some growing pains in Year 1, but the offense should be fun to watch as the players get more comfortable as the season progresses. —Antonio Morales, New York Times, 19 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