teething

American  

[tee-thing] / ˈti ðɪŋ /

noun

Dentistry.

1. eruption of the deciduous teeth, especially the phenomena associated with their eruption.

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Etymology

Origin of teething

First recorded in 1725–35; teethe + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

“The first time we interviewed Christine on KCRW’s ‘Good Food,’ her daughter Maddie was on her lap, teething on a spatula,” said Jennifer Ferro, the president of KCRW.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2026

Speaking on a podcast in September, Musk said that the vehicle “might have some initial teething pains because it’s such a radical redesign.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 21, 2025

There was a teething period the first couple of days as they reconvened, trying to get back on the same page that they’d left off eight years ago.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 11, 2025

There may have been some teething problems and tech issues at points - he was seen struggling with his guitar connection at times.

From BBC • May 25, 2025

I imagined her teething, crawling, crying, fussing, and just misbehaving herself.

From "Krik? Krak!" by Edwidge Danticat