stillbirth

noun

still·​birth ˈstil-ˌbərth How to pronounce stillbirth (audio)
-ˈbərth
: the birth of a dead fetus

Examples of stillbirth 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.
The brief said Shoemaker's original defense team was ineffective and failed to present evidence that the stillbirth was due to natural causes. Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 30 Dec. 2025 The accounts included miscarriages, stillbirths and delivering babies who lived only days. Jon Schuppe, NBC news, 18 Dec. 2025 In September, the US National Institutes of Health launched a five-year, $37 million Stillbirth Research Consortium to support efforts that reduce the risk of stillbirth. Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 3 Dec. 2025 Placenta abruption can lead to restricted growth from not getting enough nutrients, not getting enough oxygen, premature birth, or stillbirth. Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stillbirth

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stillbirth was in 1880

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Cite this Entry

“Stillbirth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stillbirth. Accessed 6 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

stillbirth

noun
still·​birth ˈstil-ˌbərth How to pronounce stillbirth (audio)
-ˈbərth
: the birth of a dead baby

Medical Definition

stillbirth

noun
: the birth of a dead fetus compare live birth

More from Merriam-Webster on stillbirth

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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