obstetric

adjective

ob·​stet·​ric əb-ˈste-trik How to pronounce obstetric (audio)
äb-
variants or obstetrical
əb-ˈste-tri-kəl How to pronounce obstetric (audio)
äb-
: of, relating to, or associated with childbirth or obstetrics
obstetrically
əb-ˈste-tri-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce obstetric (audio)
äb-
adverb

Examples of obstetric 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.
Kent, a firefighter responding to a 911 call, rushed upstairs with his team to the woman’s bedroom with an obstetric kit. — Kyle Melnick, Washington Post, 13 May 2026 Training to change minds and practice The survey results led us to develop a training for obstetric and neonatal healthcare professionals. — Karli Swenson, The Conversation, 11 June 2026 Fittingly, the new structure, in addition to three stories of beds dedicated to obstetric services, also contains the site’s neonatal intensive care unit. — Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026 For small hospitals, the financial burden of maintaining obstetric services can be prohibitive. — Jocelyn Mitchell-Williams, STAT, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for obstetric

Word History

Etymology

modification of Latin obstetricius, from obstetric-, obstetrix midwife, from obstare

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of obstetric was in 1672

Rhymes for obstetric

See All Rhymes for obstetric

Browse Nearby Words

obstacle sense
obstetric
obstetrical toad
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

obstetric

adjective
ob·​stet·​ric əb-ˈste-trik How to pronounce obstetric (audio)
äb-
variants or obstetrical
-tri-kəl How to pronounce obstetric (audio)
: of or relating to childbirth or obstetrics

Medical Definition

obstetric

adjective
ob·​stet·​ric əb-ˈste-trik, äb- How to pronounce obstetric (audio)
variants or obstetrical
-tri-kəl How to pronounce obstetric (audio)
: of, relating to, or associated with childbirth or obstetrics
obstetrically
-tri-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce obstetric (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on obstetric

Nglish: Translation of obstetric for Spanish Speakers

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