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
Closing education and access gaps can reduce risks, especially for communities facing high rates of preterm birth and poor outcomes.
—
Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 4 Jan. 2026
Using the March of Dimes grading criteria for preterm birth rate, California had a B- and Orange County a B in 2023.
—Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 4 Jan. 2026
Prenatal sleep problems such as short sleep, sleep apnea and restless sleep can lead to preterm births and low birth weight in newborns.
—Jenalee Doom, The Conversation, 12 Dec. 2025
Athena was born prematurely in January, and Beatrice has spoken out about the emotions that come with welcoming a preterm baby.
—Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preterm
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 4 Jan. 2026
Using the March of Dimes grading criteria for preterm birth rate, California had a B- and Orange County a B in 2023.
—Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 4 Jan. 2026
Prenatal sleep problems such as short sleep, sleep apnea and restless sleep can lead to preterm births and low birth weight in newborns.
—Jenalee Doom, The Conversation, 12 Dec. 2025
Athena was born prematurely in January, and Beatrice has spoken out about the emotions that come with welcoming a preterm baby.
—Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preterm
Cite this Entry
“Preterm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preterm. Accessed 13 Jan. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share