bed-wetting: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal to Neutral (when used literally); Informal, Slightly Derogatory (when figurative)
Quick answer
What does “bed-wetting” mean?
The involuntary discharge of urine while asleep.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The involuntary discharge of urine while asleep.
Used figuratively to describe excessive anxiety, timidity, or lack of nerve.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical difference. Hyphenation (bed-wetting vs. bedwetting) varies by publisher. The figurative use is more common in political/media commentary in both regions.
Connotations
Literally, a clinical/developmental issue, often with sensitivity. Figuratively, implies childishness and cowardice.
Frequency
Similar frequency for literal meaning. Figurative use appears roughly equally in UK/US political journalism.
Grammar
How to Use “bed-wetting” in a Sentence
[Subject] + suffer from + bed-wetting[Treatment] + for + bed-wetting[Adjective] + bed-wetting + [Noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bed-wetting” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The child still wets the bed occasionally.
- He was embarrassed about wetting the bed.
American English
- Their son wet the bed until age seven.
- She's worried about bedwetting at sleepovers.
adjective
British English
- He had a bed-wetting incident last night.
- The bed-wetting problem is being addressed.
American English
- It's a common bedwetting phase.
- They bought a bedwetting alarm.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Almost never used literally. Figuratively, in informal criticism: 'This bed-wetting over quarterly forecasts is counterproductive.'
Academic
Used literally in paediatric, psychological, or medical contexts.
Everyday
Used literally when discussing children's development. Figurative use is casual and pejorative.
Technical
Clinical term is 'nocturnal enuresis'. 'Bed-wetting' is the lay term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bed-wetting”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bed-wetting”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bed-wetting”
- Using it as a verb directly (e.g., 'He bed-wets'). The verb is typically 'to wet the bed'. Using the figurative sense in formal or sensitive contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the formal medical term is 'nocturnal enuresis'. 'Bed-wetting' is the common, layperson's term.
Not directly. The verbal phrase is 'to wet the bed'. 'Bed-wetting' is primarily a noun (e.g., 'a bed-wetting problem'), though it can be used attributively as an adjective.
It compares adult anxiety or caution to a involuntary, often distressing childhood condition, implying childishness and lack of control. It can be stigmatising for those who experienced the condition.
'Enuresis' is the broad medical term for involuntary urination, which can be daytime or nighttime. 'Bed-wetting' specifically refers to nocturnal enuresis during sleep.
The involuntary discharge of urine while asleep.
Bed-wetting: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbed ˌwet.ɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbed ˌwet̬.ɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a WET BED. The word describes the action (WETting) that happens in the BED.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANXIETY/COWARDICE IS A LACK OF BLADDER CONTROL / CHILDISH BEHAVIOUR.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'bed-wetting' likely to be considered pejorative?