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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Other medical dramas have often depicted childbirth, but not to this level of graphic detail. Esther Kang, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025 Men visiting their wives in childbirth is not done. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 5 Mar. 2025 This single program covers about 40% of all childbirths, 80% of children living in poverty, nearly half of all children with special healthcare needs and more than 60% of adult nursing home residents. Brian Castrucci, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025 Observers have called for a society-wide effort to reform work culture, including workplace discrimination against women, a factor often cited in decisions to delay or forgo childbirth. David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for childbirth

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

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Cite this Entry

“Childbirth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/childbirth. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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