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childbirth

American  
[chahyld-burth] / ˈtʃaɪldˌbɜrθ /

noun

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

    a difficult childbirth.


childbirth British  
/ ˈtʃaɪldˌbɜːθ /

noun

  1. the act of giving birth to a child

"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

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

Etymology

Origin of childbirth

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

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.

"Childbirth is a process where coordination and timing are everything," says Patapoutian.

From Science Daily • Jan. 13, 2026

The National Childbirth Trust says that in pregnancy, the rate of OCD may be as high as 5% and postnatally 9%, with rates of OCD similar in men and women.

From BBC • Aug. 4, 2024

Childbirth is a vulnerable experience, both emotionally and physically.

From Scientific American • Feb. 9, 2023

Childbirth classes, breastfeeding classes, prenatal vitamins, lactation supplies and breast pumps are qualified items for pregnant or new moms.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 7, 2022

I was with the National Childbirth Trust girls at Starbucks when it happened.

From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins

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