English Reference
Noun

midwifery

n.
C1 Advanced US /ˈmɪdˌwaɪfɝi/ UK /mˈɪdwɪfəɹi/ mid·wifery UK spelling midwiferies

n.the practice of helping women give birth. It involves providing care and support during pregnancy and the labor process.

n.the practice of assisting women during childbirth and providing care for the mother and newborn. Often used to describe the professional field or the specific act of delivering a baby.


SIMPLE

She decided to study midwifery to help women during their pregnancies.

CONTEXTUAL

The hospital's midwifery department provides comprehensive care from the first prenatal visit through the postpartum period.

COMPLEX

Advances in midwifery have shifted the focus from purely clinical intervention to a more holistic approach that prioritizes the emotional and physical well-being of the mother.

I think it just needs to get in the bin." Some workforces have raised concerns about staff members leaving jobs due to burnout, including midwifery and teaching.

BBC News· 1 Sept 2026

Relationship-based midwifery continuity of care is proven to provide positive outcomes – but few women currently receive this.

The Guardian· 17 Aug 2026

From Middle English medewifry; equivalent to midwife + -ery.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English medewifry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated