plural lactations
1
: the production and secretion of milk by the mammary glands
… there may be overproduction of prolactin, the breast milk hormone. A sign of that might be abnormal lactation. Paul G. Donohue
When a doe kids and begins lactation, she must draw on the calcium stored in her bones to furnish enough blood calcium for milk production. David B. Weems
lactation rooms where mothers can express milk for baby. Shawn Tully
… the infants of mothers given the names of lactation support groups or individuals instead are more likely to be fully breast-feeding at four months. Barbara Quick
2
: one complete period of lactation extending from about the time of birthing to weaning
… cows fed 1.1 percent bicarb in the total ration produced an average 17,587 lbs. of milk per lactation Eastern Milk Producer
lactational adjective
lactational mastitis

Examples of lactation in a Sentence

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.
In the episode, a lactation consultant named Clark helps her which leads to a hilarious sequence of a jealous Jim watching someone else touch his wife. Erica Marrison, People.com, 24 Mar. 2025 Solutions such as translation services for the hearing impaired, parental leave for mothers and fathers, pay equity, time off for religious holidays and lactation rooms for nursing mothers all stem from what could be labeled DEIA research and advocacy. H. Colleen Sinclair, The Conversation, 21 Mar. 2025 Authorities eventually built multiple lactation rooms in the housing units. Lexy Perez, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Feb. 2025 Later, Holmes spoke to the prison's warden about allowing women to breastfeed privately and authorities eventually built multiple lactation rooms in the housing units in 2023. Danielle Bacher, People.com, 12 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lactation

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1837, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lactation was circa 1837

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Cite this Entry

“Lactation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lactation. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

lactation

noun
1
: the secretion and yielding of milk by the mammary gland
2
: one complete period of lactation extending from about the time of parturition to weaning
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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