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birth

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noun British English pronunciation: birth /bɜː(r)θ/ 
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singularbirth
pluralbirths
Other entries for this word
  1. 1
    [countable/uncountable] the occasion of a baby being born

    We are happy to announce the birth of our son Andrew.

    John wanted to be present at the birth.

    from/since birth:

    James has been blind from birth.

    at birth (=at the time when you are born):

    children who have medical complications at birth

    place of birth:

    Place of birth: Oxford

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of birth
    1. a.
      [countable/uncountable] the process of being born or of giving birth to a baby

      It was a very difficult birth.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of birth
    See also  date of birth
  2. 2
    [uncountable] your status or position in society according to your family or the place where you were born

    a woman of noble birth

    Why should an accident of birth (=being born rich, poor etc) determine what opportunities you have?

    by birth:

    She's a French national by birth.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of birth
  3. 3
    [singular] the beginning of something such as an idea, institution, or nation
    birth of:

    the birth of a new era in British politics

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of birth

phrases

This is the British English definition of birth. View American English definition of birth.

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