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

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

The grants supported initiatives targeted at reducing sudden infant deaths, improving teen and young adult health, preventing birth defects and identifying autism early, according to an academy spokesperson. —Christian Orozco, NBC news, 18 Dec. 2025

The acne medication Accutane carried a warning about the risks of birth defects when used during pregnancy. —Ben Tinker, CNN Money, 12 Dec. 2025

The French government claimed the tests posed no danger to human life, but everyone in the area was exposed to radiation and cancers and birth defects rose in the local population in their wake. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 11 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