pediatrics

American  

[pee-dee-a-triks, ped-ee-] / ˌpi diˈæ trɪks, ˌpɛd i- /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. the branch of medicine concerned with the development, care, and diseases of babies and children.

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pediatrics British  

/ ˌpiːdɪˈætrɪks /

noun

1. the US spelling of paediatrics

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pediatrics Scientific  

/ pē′dē-ăt′rĭks /

1. The branch of medicine that deals with the care of infants and children.

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pediatrics Cultural  

1. The branch of medicine devoted to the study and care of children.

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Other Word Forms

• pediatric
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of pediatrics

First recorded in 1880–85; ped- ¹, + -iatrics

Explanation

If you're taking a little kid to the doctor, look for a sign that says pediatrics. Physicians who treat children and babies specialize in pediatrics. Different branches of medicine focus on different groups of people or specific illnesses. While pediatrics is all about young people from birth to their teens, geriatrics, for example, focuses on elderly people. A medical student who specializes in pediatrics will eventually be a pediatrician, or children's doctor. The root of pediatrics is the Greek word for "child," pais.

Example Sentences

The American Academy of Pediatrics began crusading against juice for kids.

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

Albergamo, an assistant professor in the NYU Grossman School of Medicine's Department of Pediatrics, said the team plans to further investigate how microplastics behave inside the body and whether they may contribute to cancer formation.

From Science Daily • Feb. 25, 2026

For decades, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 26, 2026

“We don’t follow Denmark’s vaccine recommendations because we don’t live in Denmark,” said Dr. Jose Romero of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases.

From Salon • Jan. 6, 2026

“Yeah. Her dad is on the board and recommended me. It’s the Pediatrics Nursing Manager. This is my second interview for it actually. They want some of the higher-ups to interview me this time.”

From "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas