stillborn

adjective

still·​born ˈstil-ˈbȯrn How to pronounce stillborn (audio)
1
: dead at birth
2
: failing from the start : abortive, unsuccessful
a stillborn venture
stillborn noun

Examples of stillborn in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The slaughter of the innocents that follows the birth of Jesus in the Book of Matthew is depicted by limp infants that Gaudí modelled on casts of actual stillborn babies. D. T. Max, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025 Lorraine is haunted by a demonic presence during labor and when the time comes, Judy is stillborn, but the baby miraculously returns to life after Lorraine holds her in her arms. Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 One touch, and Lorraine is giving birth to a stillborn Judy. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025 The couple had three children, and another son who was stillborn. Max Foster, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stillborn

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stillborn was in 1593

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Cite this Entry

“Stillborn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stillborn. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

stillborn

adjective
still·​born -ˈbȯ(ə)rn How to pronounce stillborn (audio)
: dead at birth

Medical Definition

stillborn

adjective
still·​born -ˈbȯ(ə)rn How to pronounce stillborn (audio)
: dead at birth compare live-born
stillborn noun

More from Merriam-Webster on stillborn

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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