birthing

American  

[bur-thing] / ˈbɜr θɪŋ /

noun

1. an act or instance of giving birth, especially by natural childbirth.

---

Etymology

Origin of birthing

First recorded in 1925–30; birth + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Doctors at St. Louis-based Mercy, which runs birthing hospitals in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas, began noticing an uptick in families turning down the vitamin K shot during the pandemic.

From Salon • May 7, 2026

Just how far away is that birthing clinic?

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

I see her death as a profound failure of the systems meant to protect birthing mothers.

From Slate • Jan. 11, 2026

Screwworms pose a serious threat to farm animals, especially those with common injuries from barbed wire, birthing, or procedures such as dehorning.

From Science Daily • Dec. 17, 2025

After checking their security in the cart, the birthing attendant had ridden off toward the Nurturing Center to deliver them there.

From "Son" by Lois Lowry