Main Entry:

¹ba·by

Pronunciation:

\ˈbā-bē\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

plural babies

Etymology:

Middle English, from babe

Date:

14th century

1 a (1): an extremely young child ; especially : infant (2): an extremely young animal b: the youngest of a group2 a: one that is like a baby (as in behavior) b: something that is one's special responsibility, achievement, or interest3slang a: girl, woman —often used in address b: boy, man —often used in address4: person, thing <is one tough baby>

— ba·by·hood \-bē-ˌhu̇d\ noun

— ba·by·ish \-ish\ adjective