midwifery

noun

mid·​wife·​ry ˌmid-ˈwi-f(ə-)rē  -ˈwī- 

ˈmid-ˌwī-

1

: the art or act of assisting at childbirth

also : obstetrics

2

: the art, act, or process of producing, bringing forth, or bringing about

Examples of midwifery in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Grounded in touch, care and deep cultural knowing, midwifery is not only about guiding mothers and babies safely into the world but also reclaiming cultural traditions. —Deanna Taylor, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025

The first group will include five students, gradually increasing to 15 per year, said Shannon Pirrie, director of the midwifery education program. —Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 6 Oct. 2025

The hospital is also actively expanding its midwifery program, giving women additional holistic support in their birthing experience. —Jessica Peralta, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025

Clinicians also offer women's healthcare, including midwifery services. —Beth Warren, The Tennessean, 23 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for midwifery

• housewifery

Kids Definition

midwifery

noun

mid·​wife·​ry ˌmid-ˈwif-(ə-)rē  -ˈwīf- 

ˈmid-ˌwīf-

: the art or act of assisting at childbirth

also : obstetrics

Medical Definition

midwifery

noun

mid·​wife·​ry ˌmid-ˈwif-(ə-)rē  -ˈwīf-; ˈmid-ˌwīf- 

plural midwiferies

: the art or act of assisting at childbirth

also : obstetrics see nurse-midwifery