preterm

American  

[pree-turm] / priˈtɜrm /

adjective

1. occurring earlier in pregnancy than expected; premature.

   preterm labor.

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noun

1. a baby born prematurely, especially one born before the 37th week of pregnancy and weighing less than 5½ pounds (2.5 kilograms).

preterm British  

/ ˌpriːˈtɜːm /

adjective

1. (of a baby) born prematurely

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adverb

1. prematurely

Etymology

Origin of preterm

First recorded in 1925–30; pre- + term

Example Sentences

The challenge was to predict preterm birth using data from more than 1,000 pregnant women.

From Science Daily • Feb. 21, 2026

For those at risk of preterm labor, a PIEZO1 blocker, if developed, could work alongside current medications that relax uterine muscle by limiting calcium entry into cells.

From Science Daily • Jan. 13, 2026

The data showed no increases in miscarriages, stillbirths, preterm births, major birth defects, neonatal ICU admissions, infant deaths, abnormal uterine bleeding or other pregnancy-related conditions.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 26, 2025

There are 400 families taking part in the study – 300 of them with preterm babies, the rest full-term births.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2025

The closure of these facilities exacerbates maternal health disparities by forcing pregnant women to travel further, increasing the risk of preterm births, low birth weights, and maternal mortality.

From Salon • Mar. 18, 2025