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

On June 25, for instance, there will be a new moon in Cancer, which is all about emotional new beginnings and a time to cultivate and nurture what reminds us of home. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 12 June 2025

Stargazing is best when there’s a new moon or during meteor showers, such as the Perseids, a prolific annual display associated with the comet Swift–Tuttle, which appears to originate from the constellation Perseus. —Julia Duin, Outside Online, 6 June 2025

Cancer season officially begins June 20, with a poignant new moon on the 25th that invites us into emotional truth and vulnerability. —Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 June 2025

Since there is a new moon, dark skies will improve the chances of viewing the Northern Lights. —Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025

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