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
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
Having a doula present in the lead-up to delivery, at the delivery or both is associated with lower rates of cesarean deliveries and preterm births and fewer low-birthweight infants.
—Seun Mauton Ajoseh, The Conversation, 10 Dec. 2025
Last year’s rate is still worse than the city’s preterm birth rate from five years ago, which was 11%.
—Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Nov. 2025
And that remains a major driving force as to why the highest rates of preterm birth are concentrated in the Southeast.
—Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 17 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preterm
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Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 2025
Having a doula present in the lead-up to delivery, at the delivery or both is associated with lower rates of cesarean deliveries and preterm births and fewer low-birthweight infants.
—Seun Mauton Ajoseh, The Conversation, 10 Dec. 2025
Last year’s rate is still worse than the city’s preterm birth rate from five years ago, which was 11%.
—Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Nov. 2025
And that remains a major driving force as to why the highest rates of preterm birth are concentrated in the Southeast.
—Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 17 Nov. 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 19 Dec. 2025.
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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