noun Uncommon

childbirth

CHYLD-bth

Childbirth (noun) means the process of giving birth to a baby. Example: “She attended classes to prepare for childbirth.”

noun

The process of giving birth to a baby.

"She attended classes to prepare for childbirth."

"Complications during childbirth meant an emergency C-section."

How to use childbirth

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe act or process of a baby being born.

Common pairings

during childbirth natural childbirth die in childbirth

childbirths plural

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She attended classes to prepare for _____.

A compound of "child" and "birth," likely echoing a similar Old Norse phrase meaning "bairn birth."

Origin: Old Norse

childbearing accouchement vaginal birth

pregnancy accouchement childbearing

What does “childbirth” mean?

The word “childbirth” means the process of giving birth to a baby. In plain terms, the act or process of a baby being born.

How do you pronounce “childbirth”?

“Childbirth” is pronounced CHYLD-bth (/ˈt͡ʃaɪldˌbɝθ/ in IPA).

How do you use “childbirth” in a sentence?

Here is “childbirth” used in a sentence: “She attended classes to prepare for childbirth.”

What part of speech is “childbirth”?

“Childbirth” is a noun.

Where does the word “childbirth” come from?

The word “childbirth” comes from Old Norse. A compound of "child" and "birth," likely echoing a similar Old Norse phrase meaning "bairn birth.".

Is “childbirth” a common word?

“Childbirth” is an uncommon word in modern English.

Vocabulary lists that include childbirth:

pregnancy accouchement childbearing