birth control

[burth kuhn-trohl] / ˈbɜrθ kənˌtroʊl /

NOUN

prevention of conception

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abstinence condom contraceptive diaphragm family planning pill vasectomy

WEAK

IUD birth prevention conception prevention contraception method of preventing pregnancy planned parenthood rhythm method rubber tied tubes

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Around a decade later, when Danovich went to a clinic for another IUD—a small, T-shaped birth control device that’s inserted past the cervix into the uterus—she asked the doctor for pain medication.

From Slate • Jun. 7, 2026

Reliable birth control allowed women to plan careers with a predictability long afforded to men.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

Father-of-five Jason Day jokingly described the occasion as "a circus", with Clark adding: "As a man with no kids I'll say it's great birth control but it's a lot of fun."

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Andrea Salcedo, a California OB-GYN on the panel who said she has endometriosis as well, said she declined birth control as a treatment.

From Salon • Mar. 19, 2026

I came in late, repeatedly and with the flimsiest of excuses; made shockingly incorrect change; even misshelved things on purpose, stocking lotions among laxatives and birth control with baby shampoo.

From "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" by Ransom Riggs