birth defect

noun

: a physical or biochemical defect that is present at birth and may be inherited or environmentally induced

Examples of birth defect in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

January is health awareness month for cervical cancer, birth defects, glaucoma, substance abuse disorder and radon, a naturally occurring, radioactive, colorless and odorless gas that can seep into buildings from soil, becoming a significant health risk. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026

The goal is to decrease birth defects in children born to Hispanic women. —Tori Apodaca, CBS News, 30 Dec. 2025

Alcohol also causes serious problems in non-drinkers, being a major factor in intimate partner violence, assault, child abuse, and birth defects. —William J. Burman, Denver Post, 24 Dec. 2025

In late March, HHS slashed over 10,000 jobs, closed half its regional offices, and shuttered entire divisions, like those responsible for ensuring workplace safety standards, monitoring levels of environmental toxins, and supporting children with birth defects. —Eli Cahan, Rolling Stone, 19 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1864, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

birth defect

noun

: a serious defect (as in physical or mental function) that is present at birth and is inherited or caused by something that happens or exists in the environment

Medical Definition

birth defect

noun

: a physical or biochemical defect (as cleft palate, phenylketonuria, or Down syndrome) that is present at birth and may be inherited or environmentally induced