premature

adjective

pre·​ma·​ture ˌprē-mə-ˈchu̇r How to pronounce premature (audio)
-ˈchər,
 also  -ˈtu̇r,
-ˈtyu̇r How to pronounce premature (audio)
 also  ˌpre-
: happening, arriving, existing, or performed before the proper, usual, or intended time
especially : born after a gestation period of less than 37 weeks
premature babies
premature noun
prematurely adverb
prematureness noun
prematurity noun

Examples of premature in a Sentence

Her premature death at age 30 stunned her family and friends. Too much exposure to the sun can cause the premature aging of skin.
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.
Each person was encouraged to write down and bring their ideas into the meeting, ensuring a diverse set of thoughts and avoiding premature consensus. Derek Richardson, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025 For example, premature, avoidable deaths varied widely across states—in West Virginia, the rate was more than twice as high as the rate in Massachusetts. Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025 That’s big, because the benefits of fiber can affect your whole body; getting enough can lower your risk for colon cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other serious health conditions (and even premature death). Caroline Tien, SELF, 26 June 2025 The new study looked to see if the test could also predict premature natural or heart-related deaths. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for premature

Word History

Etymology

Latin praematurus too early, from prae- + maturus ripe, mature

First Known Use

circa 1529, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of premature was circa 1529

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Premature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/premature. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

premature

adjective
: happening, coming, existing, or done before the proper or usual time
especially : born after a period of pregnancy of less than 37 weeks
premature babies
prematurely adverb

Medical Definition

premature

1 of 2 adjective
pre·​ma·​ture
-mə-ˈt(y)u̇(ə)r, -ˈchu̇(ə)r, chiefly British ˌprem-ə-
: happening, arriving, existing, or performed before the proper, usual, or intended time
premature puberty
premature aging
especially : born after a gestation period of less than 37 weeks
premature babies
prematurely adverb

premature

2 of 2 noun

More from Merriam-Webster on premature

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!