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 group
2 a : one that is like a baby (as in behavior) b : something that is one's special responsibility, achievement, or interest
3 slang a : girl, woman —often used in address b : boy, man —often used in address
4 : person, thing <is one tough baby>

— ba·by·hood \-bē-ˌhu̇d\ noun

— ba·by·ish \-ish\ adjective