bedwetting: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Medical
Quick answer
What does “bedwetting” mean?
The act of urinating involuntarily while asleep in bed.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of urinating involuntarily while asleep in bed.
As a metaphor in political or organisational contexts, it can refer to excessive anxiety, panic, or nervousness about a situation, often considered immature or disproportionate.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term identically for the literal meaning. The metaphorical usage is slightly more common in UK political/journalistic contexts.
Connotations
Literal use is neutral/clinical. Metaphorical use is pejorative, implying childish loss of control or irrational fear.
Frequency
Low frequency in general use. More frequent in paediatric/medical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “bedwetting” in a Sentence
suffer from [bedwetting]treat [sb] for bedwettingcause bedwettingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bedwetting” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He used to wet the bed until he was eight.
American English
- She hasn't wet the bed in months.
adjective
British English
- He's a bedwetting toddler.
American English
- They sought help for their bedwetting son.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in paediatric medicine, psychology, and developmental studies.
Everyday
Used by parents, caregivers, and in general discussion of childhood issues.
Technical
Clinical term is 'nocturnal enuresis'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bedwetting”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bedwetting”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bedwetting”
- Misspelling as 'bedweting' (single 't'). Using it as a verb directly (the verb is 'to wet the bed').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the clinical term is Nocturnal Enuresis. It is common in childhood and can sometimes persist into adolescence.
Literally, yes, if an adult has the medical condition. The metaphorical use is almost exclusively applied to adults (or groups) to criticise their anxiety.
'Bedwetting' is the common, informal term. 'Enuresis' is the broader medical term for involuntary urination, and 'Nocturnal Enuresis' specifies it happens during sleep.
The literal use is a standard descriptive term, though sensitive for those affected. The metaphorical use is deliberately derogatory and belittling.
The act of urinating involuntarily while asleep in bed.
Bedwetting is usually informal, medical in register.
Bedwetting: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɛdwɛtɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɛdˌwɛtɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a WET BED. The word combines BED + WETTING.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANXIETY IS A LACK OF BODILY CONTROL.
Practice
Quiz
In a political context, what does 'bedwetting' metaphorically imply?