newborn

1 of 2

adjective

new·​born ˈnü-ˌbȯrn 

ˈnyü-

1

: recently born

2

: born anew

newborn

2 of 2

noun

plural newborn or newborns

: a newborn individual

Synonyms of newborn

Adjective

• refreshed
• new
• revived
• reborn
• resuscitated
• rested
• renewed
• regenerated
• energized
• reanimated

Noun

• child
• baby
• infant
• toddler

Examples of newborn in a Sentence

Adjective

felt like a newborn activist after that pep rally

Noun

a mother goat and all of her newborn

intentionally bought clothes that were too big for her newborn but which undoubtedly would fit him in a few months

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

One of this season’s major storylines is Gallagher juggling his bosun duties on the yacht while trying to be present for Cameron and their newborn son, who were living nearby in Croatia. — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 4 Sep. 2026

Around the same time, the family took emergency custody of a close relative’s newborn daughter. — Moriah Balingit, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Noun

Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that can be especially dangerous for older adults, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant individuals and newborns. — Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 9 Sep. 2026

Pregnant people and their newborns are also particularly vulnerable; an infection during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or a life-threatening infection in the newborn. — Amber Brenza, HEALTH, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1786, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing newborn

• hemolytic disease of the newborn

Kids Definition

newborn

1 of 2 adjective

new·​born ˈn(y)ü-ˈbȯ(ə)rn 

1

: recently born

2

: born anew

newborn

2 of 2 noun

plural newborn or newborns

: a newborn individual

Medical Definition

newborn

1 of 2 adjective

new·​born ˈn(y)ü-ˈbȯ(ə)rn 

1

: recently born

a newborn infant

2

: affecting or relating to the newborn

newborn

2 of 2 noun

new·​born -ˌbȯ(ə)rn 

plural newborn or newborns

: a newborn infant : neonate