preterm

adjective

pre·​term (ˌ)prē-ˈtərm How to pronounce preterm (audio)
ˈprē-ˌtərm
: of, relating to, being, or brought forth by premature birth
a preterm infant
preterm labor

Examples of preterm 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.
Wildfire smoke is also associated with preterm birth and miscarriage. Evan Bush, NBC news, 18 Sep. 2025 In Flint, where a cash aid program for moms and babies first began, a new body of research points to some promising outcomes — a drastic drop in evictions and fewer preterm births and neonatal intensive care unit admissions. Nushrat Rahman, Freep.com, 15 Sep. 2025 Use of marijuana during pregnancy has been linked to a higher risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight. Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 2025 Pregnancy complications such as miscarriage and preterm birth put mothers and children at risk, making solutions necessary to find. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for preterm

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of preterm was in 1928

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preterm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preterm. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

preterm

adjective
pre·​term -ˈtərm How to pronounce preterm (audio)
: of, relating to, being, or born by premature birth
preterm infants
a preterm delivery
preterm labor
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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