newborn

1 of 2

adjective

new·​born ˈnü-ˌbȯrn 

ˈnyü-

1

: recently born

2

: born anew

newborn

2 of 2

noun

plural newborn or newborns

: a newborn individual

Synonyms of newborn

Adjective

• refreshed
• new
• revived
• reborn
• resuscitated
• rested
• renewed
• regenerated
• energized
• reanimated

Noun

• child
• baby
• infant
• toddler

Examples of newborn in a Sentence

Adjective

felt like a newborn activist after that pep rally

Noun

a mother goat and all of her newborn

intentionally bought clothes that were too big for her newborn but which undoubtedly would fit him in a few months

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The Paid Leave program allows employees partial pay for medical reasons, to bond with a newborn baby or care for a family member. —Ashley Grams, CBS News, 1 Jan. 2026

This family had traversed the jungle of the notorious Darien Gap with newborn Ashley, fleeing Ecuador to follow their dream of a safer life in America. —Carol Guzy, Miami Herald, 1 Jan. 2026

Noun

According to the affidavit of probable cause, a detective present at the infant’s autopsy stated that the cause of death appeared to be suffocation, alleging that the newborn might have been sleeping in the same bed as the parents. —Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 30 Dec. 2025

As the Christmas season comes to a close, news has emerged that Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis made a generous donation to The Baby Bank, which supplies families in need with essentials for newborns and children. —Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 29 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1786, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing newborn

• hemolytic disease of the newborn

Kids Definition

newborn

1 of 2 adjective

new·​born ˈn(y)ü-ˈbȯ(ə)rn 

1

: recently born

2

: born anew

newborn

2 of 2 noun

plural newborn or newborns

: a newborn individual

Medical Definition

newborn

1 of 2 adjective

new·​born ˈn(y)ü-ˈbȯ(ə)rn 

1

: recently born

a newborn infant

2

: affecting or relating to the newborn

newborn

2 of 2 noun

new·​born -ˌbȯ(ə)rn 

plural newborn or newborns

: a newborn infant : neonate