What does natality mean?
Natality means the rate of births within a given population, often measured over a year or another defined period. It is especially used in demographic, medical, and historical discussions, where researchers compare birth rates among places or groups and examine trends over time. The word has a formal, analytical tone and is less common in everyday conversation than “birth rate.” In older or literary contexts, natality can also mean birth itself, particularly the experience or fact of coming into the world. In demographic usage, the term should not be confused with the general fertility rate: natality concerns the number or proportion of births in a population, whereas fertility generally concerns reproductive behaviour and the number of children born to individuals or couples. Natality is therefore useful when discussing patterns of population change, family patterns, and the social or economic conditions associated with births.
The rate at which births occur in a particular population or during a specified period.
"The country has experienced persistently low natality for more than a decade."
Chiefly used in formal demographic, medical, and historical contexts.
The fact or occurrence of being born, especially in older or literary usage.
"The painting celebrates the mystery of natality and the beginning of human life."
This sense is less common in modern standard English than the sense referring to the rate of births.
Usually used as an uncountable noun; the plural is uncommon in modern usage.
"The study compares the natality of rural and urban communities."
Natality tracks the rhythm of a population’s beginnings, revealing the story of how many new lives are entering a community each year.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of natality
Natality comes through English from the Latin adjective natalis, meaning “of or relating to birth.” The Latin word was based on natus, “born,” from nasci, “to be born.” Its relatives include natal, nativity, and naturally, all of which reflect the same Indo-European association with birth and coming into life.
How natality is actually used
Natality is formal and comparatively uncommon in everyday speech. It is more precise than a general reference to population growth because it specifically concerns the rate or occurrence of births.