teething

American  

[tee-thing] / ˈti ðɪŋ /

noun

Dentistry.

1. eruption of the deciduous teeth, especially the phenomena associated with their eruption.

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Etymology

Origin of teething

First recorded in 1725–35; teethe + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

“The first time we interviewed Christine on KCRW’s ‘Good Food,’ her daughter Maddie was on her lap, teething on a spatula,” said Jennifer Ferro, the president of KCRW.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2026

Speaking on a podcast in September, Musk said that the vehicle “might have some initial teething pains because it’s such a radical redesign.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 21, 2025

There was a teething period the first couple of days as they reconvened, trying to get back on the same page that they’d left off eight years ago.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 11, 2025

Pre-season performances have highlighted teething problems with Ryan Mason's intended style of play, but he's driven and ambitious, so I'm sure he will still be aiming high in his debut season as a head coach.

From BBC • Aug. 7, 2025

Powell brushed his mustache the wrong way, “So help me, Mike, another fool remark out of you, and I’ll take away your rattle and teething ring.”

From "I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov