childbirth

noun

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

Synonyms of childbirth

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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.
Studies have shown that up to ten per cent of first-time mothers die in childbirth, as do more than sixty per cent of firstborn cubs. — Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 22 June 2026 The assumption that people have it especially rough during childbirth can largely be traced back to a scientist named Adolph Schultz. — Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 29 June 2026 French broadcaster French Pierron was under fire for calling childbirth 'a disgusting moment. — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 22 June 2026 The jet-setting pair have two biological daughters, 4-year-old Bella (whose twin brother died at childbirth) and 8-year-old Alana. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 29 June 2026 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

Phrases Containing childbirth

Rhymes for childbirth

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Browse Nearby Words

child benefit
childbirth
childcare
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Cite this Entry

“Childbirth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/childbirth. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of childbirth for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about childbirth

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