newborn

1 of 2

adjective

new·​born ˈnü-ˌbȯrn How to pronounce newborn (audio)
ˈnyü-
Synonyms of newbornnext
1
: recently born
2
: born anew

newborn

2 of 2

noun

plural newborn or newborns
: a newborn individual

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
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.
Adjective
New York State law allows parents to anonymously abandon a newborn up to 30 days of age anonymously. Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026 In September 2025, the couple — who are parents to a 3-year-old son — announced the death of their newborn daughter, Della Elizabeth. Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
Data continue to show that the COVID vaccines are safe and effective, and protect both pregnant women — who are susceptible to more severe disease should they get infected — and their newborns, Silverman said. Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026 But this perspective relies almost exclusively on just one high-profile, yet deeply flawed, study of 102 newborns. Lise Eliot, The Conversation, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for newborn

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1786, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of newborn was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Newborn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/newborn. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

newborn

1 of 2 adjective
new·​born ˈn(y)ü-ˈbȯ(ə)rn How to pronounce newborn (audio)
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 How to pronounce newborn (audio)
1
: recently born
a newborn infant
2
: affecting or relating to the newborn

newborn

2 of 2 noun
new·​born -ˌbȯ(ə)rn How to pronounce newborn (audio)
plural newborn or newborns
: a newborn infant : neonate

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