birth defect

noun

: a physical or biochemical defect that is present at birth and may be inherited or environmentally induced

Examples of birth defect in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Maternity wards in southern Democratic Republic of the Congo that are close to mining operations report significantly more birth defects than those farther away. —Abraham Nunbogu, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026

Ron and Michele Christoforo are challenging a federal statute that says children who have certain birth defects are eligible for VA benefits if their mother served during the Vietnam War between February 1961 through May 1975. —Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026

These chemicals are linked to serious health problems including breast and other cancers, liver damage, birth defects and other serious health conditions. —Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado april 22, Sacbee.com, 22 Apr. 2026

April is health awareness month for cervixes, birth defects, glaucoma, thyroids and substance use disorder. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1864, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

birth defect

noun

: a serious defect (as in physical or mental function) that is present at birth and is inherited or caused by something that happens or exists in the environment

Medical Definition

birth defect

noun

: a physical or biochemical defect (as cleft palate, phenylketonuria, or Down syndrome) that is present at birth and may be inherited or environmentally induced