SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

postpartum

adjective
Save Word
post·​par·​tum | \ ˌpōs(t)-ˈpär-təm How to pronounce postpartum (audio) \

Definition of postpartum

1 : occurring in or being the period following childbirth postpartum depression
2 : being in or used in the postpartum period postpartum mothers
Other Words from postpartum More Example Sentences Learn More about postpartum

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from postpartum

postpartum adverb

Examples of postpartum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web And non-postpartum depression can strike at any time. — Amy Dickinson, Detroit Free Press, "Mom’s harsh reactions might reveal depression," 12 Nov. 2020 And non-postpartum depression can strike at any time. — Amy Dickinson, Washington Post, "Ask Amy: Mom’s harsh reactions might reveal depression," 12 Nov. 2020 And non-postpartum depression can strike at any time. — Amy Dickinson, oregonlive, "Ask Amy: New mom’s harsh reactions to friend’s advice may reveal depression," 12 Nov. 2020 And non-postpartum depression can strike at any time. — Amy Dickinson, Detroit Free Press, "Mom’s harsh reactions might reveal depression," 12 Nov. 2020 And non-postpartum depression can strike at any time. — Amy Dickinson, Washington Post, "Ask Amy: Mom’s harsh reactions might reveal depression," 12 Nov. 2020 And non-postpartum depression can strike at any time. — Amy Dickinson, oregonlive, "Ask Amy: New mom’s harsh reactions to friend’s advice may reveal depression," 12 Nov. 2020 And non-postpartum depression can strike at any time. — Amy Dickinson, Detroit Free Press, "Mom’s harsh reactions might reveal depression," 12 Nov. 2020 And non-postpartum depression can strike at any time. — Amy Dickinson, oregonlive, "Ask Amy: New mom’s harsh reactions to friend’s advice may reveal depression," 12 Nov. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'postpartum.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of postpartum

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for postpartum

from the Latin phrase post partum "after childbirth," from post "after" + partum, accusative of partus "act of giving birth, childbirth," from parere "to give birth to, bring into being" + -tus, suffix of verbal nouns — more at post-, parturient entry 1

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about postpartum

Time Traveler for postpartum

Time Traveler

The first known use of postpartum was in 1846

See more words from the same year

Statistics for postpartum

Cite this Entry

“Postpartum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/postpartum. Accessed 27 Feb. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLA Chicago APA Merriam-Webster

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for postpartum

postpartum

adjective
How to pronounce postpartum (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of postpartum

medical : relating to or happening in the period of time following the birth of a child

See the full definition for postpartum in the English Language Learners Dictionary

postpartum

adjective
post·​par·​tum | \ (ˈ)pōst-ˈpärt-əm How to pronounce postpartum (audio) \

Medical Definition of postpartum

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : occurring in or being the period following childbirth postpartum depression
2 : being in or used in the postpartum period postpartum mothers postpartum hospital rooms

postpartum

adverb

Medical Definition of postpartum (Entry 2 of 2)

: after childbirth a blood sample taken 14 days postpartum an infection occurred three weeks postpartum

More from Merriam-Webster on postpartum

Britannica English: Translation of postpartum for Arabic Speakers

Comments on postpartum

What made you want to look up postpartum? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

turbid

Listen to the pronunciation of turbid

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

February 2021 Words of the Day Quiz

  • squirrel in winter
  • Which is a synonym of perdure?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games