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.
This is a plain language summary of a health plan’s benefits and coverage with examples of how much the plan would cover for two specific conditions – diabetes and childbirth. — Helen Levy, The Conversation, 28 Oct. 2026 Subjected to nonconsensual experimental surgeries—for which permission was granted only by their owners—these women brought to fruition repair techniques for post-childbirth complications, such as the vaginal fistula repair. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Oct. 2026 The shirt, likely made in India around five hundred years ago, was intended to protect its wearer in battle—or in childbirth. — Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026 Cantrell has a history of unattended or undisclosed pregnancy and childbirth and was close to delivering, according to the relative’s account, described in a police record. — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 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 31 Oct. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about childbirth

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