birth control: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to formal; widely used in medical, policy, educational, and everyday contexts.
Quick answer
What does “birth control” mean?
The deliberate use of methods or devices to prevent pregnancy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The deliberate use of methods or devices to prevent pregnancy.
Any method or device used to prevent conception; can also refer more broadly to the planning and limitation of childbirth, including family planning policies and access to related healthcare services.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. In formal UK medical/policy contexts, 'contraception' is more frequent. In the US, 'birth control' is the dominant term in public discourse.
Connotations
Both neutral, though 'birth control' can be perceived as slightly more direct/blunt than 'contraception' in some UK contexts.
Frequency
More frequent in American English. In British English, 'contraception' is equally or more common in professional settings.
Grammar
How to Use “birth control” in a Sentence
have access to [birth control]use [birth control]discuss [birth control] with someonebe on [birth control]go on/off [birth control]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “birth control” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not typically used attributively; 'contraceptive' is used instead (e.g., birth control method).
American English
- Sometimes used attributively in compounds (e.g., birth-control pill, birth-control debate).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in HR/benefits contexts: 'The health plan covers birth control.'
Academic
Common in public health, sociology, gender studies: 'The study examined access to birth control in rural communities.'
Everyday
Common: 'We need to talk about birth control.' 'She went to the clinic for birth control.'
Technical
Common in medical contexts, but 'contraception' is often more precise: 'Various modalities of birth control were reviewed.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “birth control”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “birth control”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “birth control”
- Using it as a verb: Incorrect: 'She birth controls.' Correct: 'She uses birth control.'
- Treating it as a countable noun for a single instance: Incorrect: 'I took a birth control.' Correct: 'I am on birth control.' / 'I use a birth control method.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In most contexts, yes. 'Contraception' is the more formal, technical term, while 'birth control' is the common everyday term. They are often used interchangeably.
Yes, though common methods like the pill are for women. Men can use condoms or undergo a vasectomy, which are both forms of birth control. The term applies to any method used by either partner to prevent pregnancy.
No, it is an umbrella term. It includes pills, condoms, IUDs, implants, patches, injections, sterilization, and natural methods.
'Birth control' typically refers to regular, ongoing methods used to prevent pregnancy. 'Emergency contraception' (like the 'morning-after pill') is a specific, occasional method used after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.
The deliberate use of methods or devices to prevent pregnancy.
Birth control is usually neutral to formal; widely used in medical, policy, educational, and everyday contexts. in register.
Birth control: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɜːθ kənˌtrəʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɝːθ kənˌtroʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[no common idioms specific to this term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'BIRTH' you want to 'CONTROL' → methods to control when/if a birth happens.
Conceptual Metaphor
HEALTHCARE IS A TOOL (a means to control an outcome), PREVENTION IS CONTROL.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most precise synonym for 'birth control' in a medical context?