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Definition of stillbirth

stillbirth

/ˈstɪlˌbɝːθ/
still · birth
Plural:stillbirths
•
Adjective:stillborn
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stillbirth Lexical Profile

stillbirth Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The birth of an infant that has died in the womb after having survived through at least the first 20 to 28 weeks of pregnancy.

Example

"Improved prenatal care and maternal monitoring have significantly reduced the rate of stillbirth over the past century."

2

An infant that is born dead.

Example

"The historical parish records documented each live delivery as well as every stillbirth in the county."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

In clinical medicine, 'stillbirth' is distinguished from 'miscarriage' based on gestational age: a pregnancy loss occurring before 20 to 28 weeks of gestation (depending on regional medical standards) is classified as a miscarriage, whereas a loss after that threshold is a stillbirth.

• Nearby Words

stiletto snake
still
stillaguamish
stillbirth
stillborn
stillness
stilt

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the late 18th century as a compound of 'still' (in the sense of 'motionless' or 'lifeless') and 'birth', modeled on the earlier adjective 'stillborn' (attested since the 16th century).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Stillbirth. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/stillbirth
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