premature

adjective

pre·​ma·​ture ˌprē-mə-ˈchu̇r 

-ˈchər

also -ˈtu̇r, 

-ˈtyu̇r 

also ˌpre-

: happening, arriving, existing, or performed before the proper, usual, or intended time

especially : born after a gestation period of less than 37 weeks

premature babies

premature noun

prematurely adverb

prematureness noun

prematurity

ˌprē-mə-ˈchu̇r-ə-tē 

-ˈchər, 

-ˈtu̇r-, 

-ˈtyu̇r- 

noun

Synonyms of premature

• early
• untimely
• unexpected
• sudden
• precocious
• inopportune

Examples of premature in a Sentence

Her premature death at age 30 stunned her family and friends.

Too much exposure to the sun can cause the premature aging of skin.

Recent Examples on the Web

Risks of measles to mom and baby The CDC warns that measles infection during pregnancy can lead to complications including pneumonia and death, as well as pregnancy loss, premature delivery, and low birth weight for their babies. — Dr. Jade Cobern, ABC News, 10 Nov. 2026

Then, suddenly, the evening begins a rapid and premature descent into darkness. — IEEE Spectrum, 5 Nov. 2026

Cramer cautioned that investors may be drawing premature conclusions about the election's economic implications. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026

In these regions, the predominant ailments are HIV/AIDS, premature birth and birth trauma, congenital anomalies and injuries. — Emilee Flynn, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin praematurus too early, from prae- + maturus ripe, mature

First Known Use

circa 1529, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for premature

• annexure
• embouchure
• epicure
• immature
• paramour
• reassure
• reinsure
• sinecure
• abjure
• adjure
• allure
• assure

Kids Definition

premature

adjective

pre·​ma·​ture ˌprē-mə-ˈt(y)u̇(ə)r  -ˈchu̇(ə)r 

: happening, coming, existing, or done before the proper or usual time

especially : born after a period of pregnancy of less than 37 weeks

premature babies

prematurely adverb

prematurity

-ˈt(y)u̇r-ət-ē  -ˈchu̇r- 

noun

Medical Definition

premature

1 of 2 adjective

pre·​ma·​ture

-mə-ˈt(y)u̇(ə)r, -ˈchu̇(ə)r, chiefly British ˌprem-ə-

: happening, arriving, existing, or performed before the proper, usual, or intended time

premature puberty

premature aging

especially : born after a gestation period of less than 37 weeks

premature babies

prematurely adverb

premature

2 of 2 noun

: preemie