: one that assists at a birth
especially : obstetrician

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, from accoucher "to give birth, aid (a woman) who is giving birth" (going back to Old French acouchier "to take to bed in order to give birth") + -eur, agent suffix (going back to Old French -eor -or entry 1) — more at accouchement

First Known Use

1727, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of accoucheur was in 1727

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Accoucheur.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accoucheur. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

accoucheur

noun
: one that assists at a birth
especially : obstetrician

More from Merriam-Webster on accoucheur

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