growing pains

plural noun

1
: pains in the legs of growing children having no demonstrable relation to growth
2
: the stresses and strains attending a new project or development

Examples of growing pains 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.
Chicago Public Schools’ 21-member board is among the largest in the country, and its shift from decades of mayoral control to a hybrid body has at times brought growing pains. — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 Running an amateur festival at this scale hasn’t been without growing pains. — Ed Christman, Billboard, 7 Oct. 2026 While there are still growing pains, both units are finding their stride. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026 Several people told The Post that the 31-year-old offensive coordinator will certainly experience significant growing pains. — Sam Jane, Denver Post, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for growing pains

Word History

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of growing pains was in 1810

Rhymes for growing pains

See All Rhymes for growing pains

Browse Nearby Words

growing consensus
growing pains
growing point
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Growing pains.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/growing%20pains. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

growing pains

plural noun
1
: pains in the legs of growing children having no proven relation to growth
2
: difficulties that accompany something new
a business going through growing pains

Medical Definition

growing pains

noun plural
grow·​ing pains ˈgrō-iŋ-ˌpānz How to pronounce growing pains (audio)
: pains occurring in the legs of growing children having no demonstrable relation to growth
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