new moon

noun

1

: the moon's phase when it is in conjunction with the sun so that its dark side is toward the earth

also : the thin crescent moon seen shortly after sunset for a few days after the actual occurrence of the new moon phase

2

: the beginning of each Jewish month marked by a special liturgy

Examples of new moon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There will be a planetary alignment early in the morning, a solar eclipse in the afternoon, and a new moon at night as the Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak. — Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026

This year, that peak coincides almost perfectly with a new moon, leaving skies virtually free of moonlight and allowing even faint meteors to shine. — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026

Solar eclipses always happen during a new moon, a lunar phase that occurs when the moon is positioned between the sun and Earth. — Amen Galinato, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026

The Planetary Society says sky-gazers will benefit this year from a new moon, which is when the moon appears dark. — Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for new moon

• attune
• baboon
• balloon
• bassoon
• buffoon
• cartoon
• cocoon
• festoon
• gaboon
• harpoon
• immune
• impugn

Kids Definition

new moon

noun

: the moon's phase when its dark side is toward the earth

also : the thin curved outline of the moon seen shortly after sunset for a few days after the actual occurrence of the new moon phase