natural family planning

noun

: a method of birth control that involves abstention from sexual intercourse during the period of ovulation which is determined through observation and measurement of bodily symptoms

Examples of natural family planning in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Today a suite of fertility apps and laboratory-grade ovulation test strips make natural family planning more accessible than ever—not only for the religious, but also for the countless women who have grown wary of hormonal birth control. Ashley McGuire, WSJ, 26 July 2018 Earlier this year, the administration made a point of encouraging providers that emphasize natural family planning methods, sometimes called fertility awareness, to apply for money. Michelle Andrews, Washington Post, 12 June 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of natural family planning was in 1972

Dictionary Entries Near natural family planning

Cite this Entry

“Natural family planning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/natural%20family%20planning. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

natural family planning

noun
natural family plan·​ning -ˈplan-iŋ How to pronounce natural family planning (audio)
: a method of birth control that involves abstention from sexual intercourse during the period of ovulation which is determined through observation and measurement of bodily signs (as cervical mucus and body temperature)
abbreviation NFP
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!