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birth

A1
nounverb

Pronunciation

UK

  • /bˈɜːθ/

US

  • /ˈbɜrθ/

Description

Birth isn't just about babies! While we often think of birth as the moment a new life enters the world, it also refers to the start of anything. The birth of an idea can happen in a flash of inspiration, and the birth of a nation is marked by its declaration of independence.

Think of it like this: everything has a beginning, and that beginning is its birth. A star's birth happens within swirling clouds of gas and dust, while a river's birth might be a tiny spring high in the mountains. You can even talk about the "birth" of a trend—when something new starts to become popular. So next time you hear "birth," remember it signifies not just life, but any origin story.

Examples

  1. 1

    New baby

    The birth of their first child changed their lives completely.

  2. 2

    Childbirth experience

    Her second child's birth was much easier than the first.

  3. 3

    Having a baby

    She gave birth to a healthy baby boy last week.

    • Phrase

      give birth to

      have a baby

  4. 4

    Lifelong condition

    He has been blind since birth.

  5. 5

    Hospital procedure

    At birth, each baby is given a hospital wristband.

    • Phrase

      at birth

      when a baby is born

  6. 6

    Official forms

    The form asks for your date of birth.

    • Phrase

      date of birth

      the day you were born

  7. 7

    National identity

    She is Canadian by birth, but she has lived in Italy for years.

    • Phrase

      by birth

      because of where or how you were born

  8. 8

    Beginning

    The invention of the internet led to the birth of entirely new industries.

    • Phrase

      the birth of

      the beginning of something

Forms and spellings

2 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • birthnounverb

Forms

  • birthspluralnounverb