lactation
Americannoun
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the secretion or formation of milk.
-
the period of milk production.
noun
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the secretion of milk from the mammary glands after parturition
-
the period during which milk is secreted
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of lactation
1660–70; < Late Latin lactātiōn- (stem of lactātiō ) a giving suck. See lactate 1, -ion
Explanation
When a mammal produces milk to feed her young, the process is called lactation. It's lactation that allows a mother pig to nurse her adorable piglets. Lactation is one of the basic things all mammal mothers have in common. After giving birth, humans and other mammals naturally start the process of lactation, the amazing ability to provide all the nutrition a newborn baby needs. The word lactation comes from a Latin word root meaning "milk."
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.
One plaintiff was flagged for excessive time off-task for pumping in the company’s lactation room, the lawsuit said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 8, 2026
NHS midwife and certified lactation consultant Olivia Hinge, who reviewed our undercover consultations with self-described sleep experts, says she understands why people offering support with sleep can be so appealing to new mums.
From BBC ● May 12, 2026
“It’s often misattributed to postpartum depression,” says lactation consultant Allison Alexander.
From Slate ● Mar. 15, 2026
In addition to the new family TSA lane, airport officials also unveiled a new lactation pod in the Terminal C baggage claim area to provide mothers with a place to nurse in private.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 5, 2025
I find receipts for lactation and infant-sleep consultants.
From "Everything, Everything" by Nicola Yoon
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