midwifery

noun

mid·​wife·​ry ˌmid-ˈwi-f(ə-)rē  -ˈwī- 

ˈmid-ˌwī-

1

: the art or act of assisting at childbirth

also : obstetrics

2

: the art, act, or process of producing, bringing forth, or bringing about

Examples of midwifery in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Research also suggests that midwifery care can reduce maternal deaths, stillbirths, and neonatal deaths. —Chantelle Lee, TIME, 6 Feb. 2025

Other honorees include designer Rachel Scott, midwifery advocate Elaine Welteroth and Sen. Raphael Warnock. —Oumou Fofana, Essence, 7 Feb. 2025

Lori Link, director of midwifery at Plumas District Hospital, believes the Plumas model can turn what’s become a maternity desert into an oasis. —Ronnie Cohen, Sacramento Bee, 8 Jan. 2025

Medical education, particularly in fields including nursing and midwifery, had been one of the few remaining opportunities for women to continue their studies. —Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for midwifery

• housewifery

Kids Definition

midwifery

noun

mid·​wife·​ry ˌmid-ˈwif-(ə-)rē  -ˈwīf- 

ˈmid-ˌwīf-

: the art or act of assisting at childbirth

also : obstetrics

Medical Definition

midwifery

noun

mid·​wife·​ry ˌmid-ˈwif-(ə-)rē  -ˈwīf-; ˈmid-ˌwīf- 

plural midwiferies

: the art or act of assisting at childbirth

also : obstetrics see nurse-midwifery