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.
Too many Black women leave childbirth feeling unheard, and many doulas walk into labor rooms believing that vigilance is what keeps their patients safe. — Debra Eluobaju, STAT, 3 Sep. 2026 Takaichi’s government has focused on reducing the cost of childbirth, by aiming to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for standard childbirth, although the policy has not yet gone into effect. — Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026 The case has also sparked deep public divisions over her culpability and the issues around maternal mental health after childbirth. — Leah Willingham, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Antosh recommends checking with a doctor before using a high-pressure bidet right after childbirth or with genital ulcers, since powerful streams can irritate healing tissue. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 29 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 4 Sep. 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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