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.

For example, during a 40-minute panel hosted by Alexis Joel, the wife of musician Billy Joel, several doctors raised concerns about how frequently hormonal birth control is used to treat women’s health symptoms.

From Salon • Mar. 19, 2026

On Evie, a reader can scroll from “7 Iced Starbuck Dupes With a Fraction of the Calories” to meditations on the health risks of hormonal birth control and vaccines that skirt any of the benefits.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 18, 2026

Planned Parenthood offers a range of services, including abortions, birth control and cancer screenings.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 9, 2026

"This study measures reproductive monogamy rather than sexual behavior. In most mammals, mating and reproduction are tightly linked. In humans, birth control methods and cultural practices break that link."

From Science Daily • Jan. 22, 2026

About a year later, a New York woman connected with some sort of national birth control organization came to Montclair to form a local chapter.

From "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey