miscarriage

noun

mis·​car·​riage ˌmis-ˈker-ij How to pronounce miscarriage (audio)
-ˈka-rij, 
ˈmis-ˌker-ij, 
-ˌka-rij
1
: corrupt or incompetent management
especially : a failure in the administration of justice
2
: spontaneous expulsion of a human fetus before it is viable and especially between the 12th and 28th weeks of gestation

Examples of miscarriage in a Sentence

a woman who has suffered multiple miscarriages a high risk of miscarriage
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.
But miscarriage cases are rarely so cut-and-dry, doctors said. — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 29 Oct. 2026 Ashley Hernandez, a Wilmington resident and organizer with the nonprofit Communities for a Better Environment, said residents there have suffered from severe health issues including asthma, dizziness, miscarriages, heart disease and cancer. — Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026 Tafoya, who has spoken publicly about suffering multiple miscarriages herself, questioned why Guerrero had kept hers from close friends for years. — Rick Maese, Washington Post, 28 Oct. 2026 Centered on the miscarriage of her first pregnancy, Man’oushe releases to coincide with Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for miscarriage

Word History

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of miscarriage was in 1640

Phrases Containing miscarriage

Rhymes for miscarriage

See All Rhymes for miscarriage

Browse Nearby Words

miscaptioned
miscarriage
miscarriage of justice
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Miscarriage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/miscarriage. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

miscarriage

noun
mis·​car·​riage mis-ˈkar-ij How to pronounce miscarriage (audio)
1
: bad management
especially : a failure in the administration of justice
2
: the accidental separation of an unborn child from the body of its mother before it is capable of living independently : loss of an unborn child through premature birth

Medical Definition

miscarriage

noun
mis·​car·​riage mis-ˈkar-ij How to pronounce miscarriage (audio)
: spontaneous expulsion of a human fetus before it is viable and especially between the 12th and 28th weeks of gestation compare abortion sense 1a

More from Merriam-Webster on miscarriage

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about miscarriage

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