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
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.
No eclipse is scheduled for this new moon, though – the next one is due on Sept. 21. Jesse Emspak, Space.com, 25 June 2025 What to avoid around this new moon: Only lose yourself in dreams. Danijela Pilic, Glamour, 24 June 2025 Fortunately, this could be the luckiest week of the year for you, along with a dazzling new moon in Cancer that could bring euphoric news, new beginnings and miraculous blessings to your life. Kyle Thomas, People.com, 22 June 2025 The only moment of perfect syzygy during a new moon is a total solar eclipse. Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for new moon

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of new moon was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“New moon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/new%20moon. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on new moon

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!