childbirth

American  

[chahyld-burth] / ˈtʃaɪldˌbɜrθ /

noun

1. an act or instance of bringing forth a child; parturition.

   a difficult childbirth.

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childbirth British  

/ ˈtʃaɪldˌbɜːθ /

noun

1. the act of giving birth to a child

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Etymology

Origin of childbirth

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; see origin at child, birth

Example Sentences

Waldorf’s sister, Elizabeth Rowe, had almost died of hemorrhaging during childbirth, so the family felt an hourslong drive to Kansas through rural roads without medical support was not an option.

From Salon • May 27, 2026

While the circumstances of her death remain private, a family representative told The Times that media reports stating that she died as a result of childbirth complications are not accurate.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

The 15th Five-Year Plan, approved in March for 2026-2030, also leans heavily on public well-being, elderly care, childbirth support, and job creation, suggesting policymakers understand that consumption can’t be engineered only through discounts and rebates.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

The most difficult section, “Gendered Dialogues,” delves into Kahlo’s sometimes androgynous appearance and, more poignantly, her boundary-breaking works about her body and the pains of childbirth and miscarriage.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

He was terrified of the childbirth, for good reason.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman