# pediatrics

/ˌpidiˈætɹɪks/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pediatrics
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

the branch of medicine that deals with the health and medical care of babies, children, and teenagers.

For teachers: the branch of medical science concerned with the physical, mental, and social health of infants, children, and adolescents. Often spelled 'paediatrics' in British English.

## Examples

- She decided to specialize in pediatrics after working at the children's hospital.
- Advances in pediatrics have significantly lowered infant mortality rates and improved long-term outcomes for premature babies.
- While general practice covers patients of all ages, pediatrics requires specialized knowledge of developmental milestones and the unique physiological responses of younger patients to various treatments.

## Pitfalls

- Not "Pediatrics are a difficult field." but "Pediatrics is a difficult field." — Names of medical or scientific branches ending in -ics take a singular verb.

## Usage notes

- Functions as a singular noun despite the 's' ending; takes a singular verb.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.