preemie

noun

pree·​mie ˈprē-mē How to pronounce preemie (audio)
variants or less commonly premie
Synonyms of preemienext
: a premature baby

Examples of preemie in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
McKenna works in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with preemies and other babies needing special attention, while Mary Kate works in the mother-baby unit, supporting both mothers and newborns in the critical first hours after birth. Nancy Badertscher, AJC.com, 6 May 2026 Baby Akosua spent 172 days in the NICU navigating different challenges associated with being a preemie. Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026 Like many parents of preemies, we were thrust into a world of daily highs and lows. Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026 When Kirstie Rickert’s daughter was born a preemie two years ago, diaper rashes were a major and relentless struggle. Kate Sequeira, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preemie

Word History

Etymology

premature + -ie

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of preemie was in 1927

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preemie.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preemie. Accessed 12 May. 2026.

Medical Definition

preemie

noun
pree·​mie
variants or premie
: a baby born prematurely

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