epidural
Americanadjective
noun
-
epidurals
plural
adjective
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of epidural
1880–85; < epi- + dur(a mater) + -al 1 ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
By quarter, the epidural steroid injections saw the biggest decline immediately of 21% in the first quarter of 2026, but eased to a drop of 9% in the second quarter.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 29, 2026
Since I did not have an epidural with my first labor, I opted not to get an epidural.
From Slate ● Jan. 11, 2026
Unlike in my first labor, I was recommended an epidural for the pain.
From Slate ● Jan. 11, 2026
The shortage arose after a major supplier stopped making epidural infusion bags, it is understood.
From BBC ● Dec. 21, 2025
Last year, an epidural was used in 13.8% of births in Japan, according to the Japan Association for Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 12, 2025
"In clinical practice, epidurals are given in carefully controlled doses because blocking sensory nerves completely can make labor much longer," notes Zhang.
From Science Daily ● Jan. 13, 2026
Outside of Tokyo and other big cities, access to epidurals is hampered by a lack of anesthesiologists.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 12, 2025
Evidence suggests fewer epidurals might mean fewer births using instruments like forceps and ventouse vacuum suction, says NICE.
From BBC ● Apr. 25, 2023
Her doctor advised her to only gain 15 pounds because there were no epidurals used in the USSR.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 17, 2022
But before her hotly anticipated next special comes out in 2018, several comics are turning diapers and epidurals into blunt, confessional comedy.
From New York Times ● Oct. 13, 2017
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
