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

Casiano, who lives in Texas, was forced to carry her baby to term even after doctors told her at 20 weeks of pregnancy that her baby had anencephaly, a fatal birth defect, and wouldn’t survive. —Chantelle Lee, Time, 28 Mar. 2025

This latest study shows the vaccine does not increase the risk of having a baby born with major birth defects. —Wendy Wisner, Parents, 14 Mar. 2025

The alarming story is based on a real incident, when people in the English town of Corby inhaled toxic dust that was later linked to birth defects in a cluster of children. —Olivia B. Waxman, TIME, 27 Feb. 2025

But the narrator is forced off the internet when her niece is born with severe birth defects, and her entire life is shaken up with love. —Constance Grady, Vox, 4 Mar. 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