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.
Postpartum psychosis Postpartum psychosis ranks as one of the rarest and most severe mental health disorders associated with childbirth. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026 The average cost of childbirth for Californians with health insurance is about $20,400, higher than the national average, according to a study by FAIR Health. — Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 11 Aug. 2026 Doulas sought to empower women by educating them about childbirth, and by providing physical and emotional support before, during, and after that transformative event. — Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026 But in Idaho, more than a thousand new mothers have ended up on a child abuse registry after testing positive for THC – a chemical found in marijuana – following childbirth. — David Morgan, CBS News, 7 Aug. 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 17 Aug. 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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