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

Like far too many women across this country, I know what it feels like to come through childbirth carrying both physical and emotional scars.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

I just want a guy that thinks that I should not die in childbirth and that I can also have a job,’” Guzzo said.

From Salon • May 15, 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 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

Nigel came in with a blanket and told me the doctor was held up at a difficult childbirth.

From "Kindred" by Octavia Butler