midwifery

American

[mid-wif-uh-ree, -wif-ree, mid-wahy-fuh-ree, -wahyf-ree] / mɪdˈwɪf ə ri, -ˈwɪf ri, ˈmɪdˌwaɪ fə ri, -ˌwaɪf ri /

noun

the technique or practice of a midwife.

midwifery British

/ ˈmɪdˌwɪfərɪ /

noun

the art or practice of a midwife; obstetrics

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of midwifery

First recorded in 1475–85; see origin at midwife, -ery

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:

midwifery

Fiona Giraud, director of midwifery and women's services for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said her priority remained with the mother.

From BBC ● Oct. 1, 2026

The Lib Dems are calling for a consultant obstetrician to be present on every labour ward at all hours, one-to-one midwifery care for every woman in labour, and recruit an extra 300 consultant midwives.

From BBC ● Sep. 21, 2026

Some workforces have raised concerns about staff members leaving jobs due to burnout, including midwifery and teaching.

From BBC ● Sep. 1, 2026

Multiple African and Asian midwifery experts have been denied visas for a major international conference in Portugal, threatening progress on saving millions of babies' lives, organisers and invitees said Friday.

From Barron's ● Jun. 12, 2026

She enrolled in a midwifery course at King Edward VII Hospital in Durban that would keep her away from home for several months.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023