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
Allyson Felix still remembers the beeping of the monitors in the NICU as her daughter was fighting for her life after her preterm birth in 2018.
—
Regina Mahone, Washington Post, 4 June 2026
Waldorf was suffering a high-risk complication called previable preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and doctors said her uterus was exposed to bacteria.
—Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026
Ozone and particle pollution can cause premature death and other health effects, including asthma attacks, heart attacks, strokes, preterm birth and impaired cognitive function, according to the American Lung Association.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
When her son Nico was born at 32 weeks in 2020, Herrera-Moreno was already on disability leave, having entered preterm labor weeks earlier.
—ABC News, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for preterm
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Regina Mahone, Washington Post, 4 June 2026
Waldorf was suffering a high-risk complication called previable preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and doctors said her uterus was exposed to bacteria.
—Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026
Ozone and particle pollution can cause premature death and other health effects, including asthma attacks, heart attacks, strokes, preterm birth and impaired cognitive function, according to the American Lung Association.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
When her son Nico was born at 32 weeks in 2020, Herrera-Moreno was already on disability leave, having entered preterm labor weeks earlier.
—ABC News, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for preterm
Cite this Entry
“Preterm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preterm. Accessed 11 Jun. 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
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