childbirth

noun

child·​birth ˈchī(-ə)l(d)-ˌbərth How to pronounce childbirth (audio)
: the act or process of giving birth to a baby : parturition

Examples of childbirth in a Sentence

women who choose to undergo childbirth without the use of anesthetics and other drugs
Recent Examples on the Web But each childbirth experience is unique and goes at its own pace. Parents Editors, Parents, 4 Mar. 2024 This was done in order to keep away deities who might otherwise enter that space, possibly because childbirth was believed to be a source of defilement. Alessandro Poletto, The Conversation, 1 Mar. 2024 In addition to the childbirth incentive, Booyoung Group is reportedly already trying to ease the financial burden on parents by helping out with college tuition for employees’ children, medical expenses for direct family members, and child allowances. Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2024 Lack of trust in hospital care Eugene Declercq, a childbirth researcher, isn’t surprised by the increasing trend in home births. Elizabeth Cohen, STAT, 23 Feb. 2024 Something about going through childbirth really unleashed something within me. Rachel Wilkerson Miller, SELF, 21 Feb. 2024 In both hospitals, doctors and patients told of severe shortages of food, water and medication; of amputations and childbirth performed without anesthesia and painkillers. Yasmine Salam, NBC News, 15 Feb. 2024 Obstetrics is the branch of medicine concerned with the care of women during pregnancy and childbirth. Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 20 Feb. 2024 According to ancient customs, postpartum care is paramount, giving the body time to recuperate and recover from the physical trauma of childbirth. Hetty Lui McKinnon, Bon Appétit, 19 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'childbirth.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of childbirth was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near childbirth

Cite this Entry

“Childbirth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/childbirth. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

childbirth

noun
child·​birth ˈchīl(d)-ˌbərth How to pronounce childbirth (audio)
: the act or process of giving birth to children

called also parturition

Medical Definition

childbirth

noun
child·​birth ˈchīl(d)-ˌbərth How to pronounce childbirth (audio)
: the act or process of giving birth to a baby : parturition

More from Merriam-Webster on childbirth

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