growing pains

plural noun

1
: pains in the legs of growing children having no demonstrable relation to growth
2
: the stresses and strains attending a new project or development

Examples of growing pains in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Just like any other tech transformation, there are sure to be growing pains—but people can better their chances by adding AI to their arsenal. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 1 Apr. 2026 As much as the game has improved, and grown, this is a niche sport that will continue to experience these types of pendulous growing pains for the next decade-plus. Mac Engel march 31, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Mar. 2026 Jordi Fernández has spent most of this season talking about the Nets’ own rookies, their growing pains, their flashes, their timelines. C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026 The roster featured five newcomers, three of whom are essential pieces of the Huskies’ rotation, and Auriemma was prepared for growing pains. Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for growing pains

Word History

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of growing pains was in 1810

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Cite this Entry

“Growing pains.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/growing%20pains. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

growing pains

plural noun
1
: pains in the legs of growing children having no proven relation to growth
2
: difficulties that accompany something new
a business going through growing pains

Medical Definition

growing pains

noun plural
grow·​ing pains ˈgrō-iŋ-ˌpānz How to pronounce growing pains (audio)
: pains occurring in the legs of growing children having no demonstrable relation to growth
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