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

As a logistics officer, my role is to ensure that lifesaving supplies — like malaria treatment kits, vaccines, midwifery kits, therapeutic foods, hygiene kits and bed nets — reach the children and families who need them most, no matter how remote or insecure the location. —Cynthia Tully, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025

According to the World Health Organization, midwifery care could avert 80 percent of maternal and infant deaths. —Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 8 Aug. 2025

The Condor Daughter, from Álvaro Olmos Torrico, about a young woman who inherits the sacred art of midwifery but dreams of conquering the city with her voice. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 5 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