IUD
abbreviation or noun
plural IUDs
: a device inserted into and left in the uterus to prevent conception
specifically
: a T-shaped device containing either progestin or copper that is inserted into and left in the uterus to prevent conception by blocking ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, or interfering with sperm motility
Once an IUD is inserted, you don't have to worry about birth control until it's time to replace it (three to 10 years, depending on the brand). —
Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland Clinic … got relief by changing her birth control to a progestin-emitting IUD, which lightened her periods without dramatically adding extra hormones in the rest of her body. —Laura Beil
Laura Beil If you don't want back-to-back pregnancies, contraception post-childbirth is key. You can go back on some types of birth control, like … hormonal or copper IUDs, immediately after giving birth. —Anna Medaris
Anna Medaris called also intrauterine contraceptive device, intrauterine device, IUCD
Examples of IUD in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The worst-faith conversations people are having about the IUD guy are not unlike the woman who made chili for her neighbors or the wife that tweeted about enjoying a cup of coffee with her husband — seemingly everyone is addicted to being disingenuous for a few internet points.
—Alex Abad-Santos, Vox, 31 Jan. 2025
For contraception, astronauts commonly use hormonal methods like the pill or intra-uterine device (IUD) which have both benefits and risks in spaceflight.
—Lisa Falco, Forbes, 27 Jan. 2025
Topical anesthetics were the least frequently administered, at only 8 per 10,000 IUD placements.
—Adriel Bettelheim, Axios, 27 Jan. 2025
As Pina so eloquently puts it, a DUI is OK, but not an IUD.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 26 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for IUD 
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Alex Abad-Santos, Vox, 31 Jan. 2025
For contraception, astronauts commonly use hormonal methods like the pill or intra-uterine device (IUD) which have both benefits and risks in spaceflight.
—Lisa Falco, Forbes, 27 Jan. 2025
Topical anesthetics were the least frequently administered, at only 8 per 10,000 IUD placements.
—Adriel Bettelheim, Axios, 27 Jan. 2025
As Pina so eloquently puts it, a DUI is OK, but not an IUD.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 26 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for IUD
Dictionary Entries Near IUD
Cite this Entry
“IUD.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/IUD. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
IUD
nounMedical Definition
IUD
abbreviation or noun
: a device inserted into and left in the uterus to prevent conception
specifically
: a T-shaped device containing either progestin or copper that is inserted into and left in the uterus to prevent conception by blocking ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, or interfering with sperm motility
called also intrauterine contraceptive device, intrauterine device, IUCD
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