birth rate

noun

variants or birthrate
ˈbərth-ˌrāt How to pronounce birth rate (audio)
: the ratio between births and individuals in a specified population and time

Examples of birth rate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For years, Japan has taken steps to try to reverse its falling birth rate by expanding monthly child allowances, bringing IVF and other fertility treatments under the purview of public insurance, and expanding parental leave benefits. — Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026 The Republican party has promised a return to the good ol’ days, with strong nuclear families at the crux and a fight against the declining birth rate. — Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 Indeed, the birth rate is declining across the country, and Miami-Dade appears to be no exception. — Austin Horn, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026 Burke attributed the enrollment decline to local demographic shifts, changing migration patterns, high cost of living and a national birth rate decline. — Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for birth rate

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of birth rate was in 1856

Rhymes for birth rate

See All Rhymes for birth rate

Browse Nearby Words

birthrank
birth rate
birthright
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Cite this Entry

“Birth rate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/birth%20rate. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

birthrate

noun
birth·​rate -ˌrāt How to pronounce birthrate (audio)
: the number of births for every hundred or every thousand persons in a given area or group during a given time

Medical Definition

birth rate

noun
variants or birthrate
ˈbər-ˌthrāt How to pronounce birth rate (audio)
: the ratio between births and individuals in a specified population and time often expressed as number of live births per hundred or per thousand population per year

called also natality

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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