growing pains

plural noun

1
: pains in the legs of growing children having no demonstrable relation to growth
2
: the stresses and strains attending a new project or development

Examples of growing pains 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.
But with some growing pains expected and a defense that features questions around a potentially dominant pass rush, seven wins feels right. — The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Menart’s script does a fine job of building out these jagged women with a sharp eye for the growing pains of flesh-and-bones relationships born from the seed of virtual connection. — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 22 Aug. 2026 Chalk up the split feelings to the growing pains of using a new technology, says Green of Ask A Manager. — Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026 According to some reports, travelers have faced long lines and even missed connecting flights as airports deal with growing pains during the transition to biometric kiosks. — Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for growing pains

Word History

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of growing pains was in 1810

Rhymes for growing pains

See All Rhymes for growing pains

Browse Nearby Words

growing consensus
growing pains
growing point
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Growing pains.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/growing%20pains. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

growing pains

plural noun
1
: pains in the legs of growing children having no proven relation to growth
2
: difficulties that accompany something new
a business going through growing pains

Medical Definition

growing pains

noun plural
grow·​ing pains ˈgrō-iŋ-ˌpānz How to pronounce growing pains (audio)
: pains occurring in the legs of growing children having no demonstrable relation to growth
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