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

New Chapter Princess Anne bounced newborn Peter on her knees while Queen Elizabeth gave him a little tickle during his christening in 1977. — Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026

Beside her, Pinault, 29, also leaned in to admire the newborn, who seemed to be smiling back at his father. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 14 Aug. 2026

Noun

But since the program’s cancellation, newborns have begun dying again; the first was in December, and four more followed by March. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

Preliminary findings published last year in JAMA showed that among the first 4,000 newborns screened, the test identified serious genetic conditions in just under 4% of the children. — Brad Quick, CNBC, 10 Aug. 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