preterm
adjective
pre·term
(ˌ)prē-ˈtərm 
ˈprē-ˌtərm
: of, relating to, being, or brought forth by premature birth
a preterm infant
preterm labor
Examples of preterm in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The American Academy of Pediatrics also released a clinical report this year that said preterm infant formula is recommended when a mother’s own milk and donated breast milk are not available.
—
Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
The rate of preterm births was unchanged.
—Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR, 9 Apr. 2026
In the market for preterm nutrition, Abbott and Mead Johnson compete with each other, not against the use of human milk, the companies told KFF Health News.
—David Hilzenrath, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
More than half of all twin pregnancies result in preterm births, according to a news release.
—Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preterm
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Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
The rate of preterm births was unchanged.
—Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR, 9 Apr. 2026
In the market for preterm nutrition, Abbott and Mead Johnson compete with each other, not against the use of human milk, the companies told KFF Health News.
—David Hilzenrath, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
More than half of all twin pregnancies result in preterm births, according to a news release.
—Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preterm
Cite this Entry
“Preterm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preterm. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
preterm
adjective
pre·term
-ˈtərm
: of, relating to, being, or born by premature birth
preterm infants
a preterm delivery
preterm labor
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