miscarriage

noun

mis·​car·​riage ˌmis-ˈker-ij 

-ˈka-rij,

ˈmis-ˌker-ij,

-ˌka-rij

1

: corrupt or incompetent management

especially : a failure in the administration of justice

2

: spontaneous expulsion of a human fetus before it is viable and especially between the 12th and 28th weeks of gestation

Examples of miscarriage in a Sentence

a woman who has suffered multiple miscarriages

a high risk of miscarriage

Recent Examples on the Web

In 1968, after three miscarriages, Walters and second husband Lee Guber adopted Jacqueline (Jackie). —Sean Keane, ABC News, 23 June 2025

Another featured a man yelling at his girlfriend of three years regarding her recent miscarriage. —Rachel Hale, USA Today, 19 June 2025

Here's a woman who bravely shared her miscarriage story to help other women feel less alone in their grief. —Nuri Kino, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025

Wildfire smoke is also associated with respiratory disease, preterm birth and miscarriage. —Evan Bush, NBC news, 12 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing miscarriage

• miscarriage of justice

Rhymes for miscarriage

• disparage
• remarriage
• intermarriage
• marriage

Kids Definition

miscarriage

noun

mis·​car·​riage mis-ˈkar-ij 

1

: bad management

especially : a failure in the administration of justice

2

: the accidental separation of an unborn child from the body of its mother before it is capable of living independently : loss of an unborn child through premature birth

Medical Definition

miscarriage

noun

mis·​car·​riage mis-ˈkar-ij 

: spontaneous expulsion of a human fetus before it is viable and especially between the 12th and 28th weeks of gestation compare abortion sense 1a