Definition of Birth
Quick Meaning of Birth
When a baby comes out of the mother's body and is born.
Detailed Definition of Birth
The event or process of a baby being delivered from the mother's body.
How to Pronounce Birth
Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).
Tip: The vowel sound /ɜː/ is long, not short. The 'th' ending is unvoiced /θ/, like in 'month'.
Watch out: Some learners pronounce it with a short vowel as 'bɪrθ' or confuse the 'th' sound with 'd'.
Origin and Etymology of Birth
From Old Norse byrðr, meaning 'bringing forth,' related to bear and born.
How to Use Birth in a Sentence
Each example shows “birth” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
-
“The birth of her first child was the happiest day of her life.”
-
“The birth of twins was a joyful moment for the hospital staff.”
-
“The birth rate in that country has significantly declined in recent years.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Birth
Common Synonyms for Birth
Smart Synonyms for Birth — When to Use Each
- childbirth
- when emphasizing the mother's labor and delivery process
- nativity
- when discussing a person's origin or astrological context
Antonyms of Birth
Common Collocations with Birth
These phrases pair with “birth” in everyday English:
- at birth
- birth certificate
- birth date
- birth weight
- place of birth
Common Mistakes When Using Birth
Even fluent speakers slip up with “birth”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: She gave a birth to a healthy baby boy yesterday.
- ✓ Correct: She gave birth to a healthy baby boy yesterday.
- Why: 'Give birth' is the correct collocation; 'gave a birth' is incorrect.
- ✗ Wrong: The baby birth weight was 3.5 kilograms.
- ✓ Correct: The baby's birth weight was 3.5 kilograms.
- Why: Possessive form required; 'birth weight' is the weight at the birth event.
Other Forms of Birth
Frequently Asked Questions About Birth
What is the meaning of "Birth"?
When a baby comes out of the mother's body and is born.
How do you pronounce "Birth"?
The IPA is /bɜːrθ/. The vowel sound /ɜː/ is long, not short. The 'th' ending is unvoiced /θ/, like in 'month'.
What part of speech is "Birth"?
"Birth" is a noun at A1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Birth"?
Common synonyms include childbirth, nativity, delivery.
How do you use "Birth" in a sentence?
For example: "The birth of her first child was the happiest day of her life."