lying-in

American  

[lahy-ing-in] / ˈlaɪ ɪŋˈɪn /

noun

lyings-in, plural lying-ins plural

1. the state of being in childbed; confinement.

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adjective

1. pertaining to or providing facilities for childbirth.

   a lying-in hospital.

lying-in British  

noun

1. 1. confinement in childbirth

   2. ( as modifier )

      a lying-in hospital

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• lying-ins
  plural
• lyings-in
  plural

Etymology

Origin of lying-in

First recorded in 1400–50, lying-in is from late Middle English lyynge in. See lie ², -ing ¹, in

Example Sentences

Before morning, Shelley, lying in his embrace, was gone.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026

The witness most instrumental to Fernandez’s conviction also admitted at trial to a history of lying in court.

From Slate • May 29, 2026

"I was lying in my bed at night thinking: 'Am I going to get a bite of the semi-finals here?'"

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Among the many rules at Augusta National — no cell phones, no booing, no lying in the grass — patrons are not allowed to run.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

“It was the strangest thing…,” he said, lying in the mossy garden, watching the leaves tickle the bitter blue sky.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman