premature

adjective

pre·​ma·​ture ˌprē-mə-ˈchu̇r 

-ˈchər

also -ˈtu̇r, 

-ˈtyu̇r 

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

ˌprē-mə-ˈchu̇r-ə-tē 

-ˈchər, 

-ˈtu̇r-, 

-ˈtyu̇r- 

noun

Synonyms of premature

• early
• untimely
• unexpected
• sudden
• precocious
• inopportune

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

But the celebration was a bit premature. —Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 7 Jan. 2026

Without such a due process, any changes being considered are premature at best, and more likely ill-conceived. —Washington Post, 7 Jan. 2026

Lucille Horn — who survived premature birth thanks to early medical innovation — spent her later years advocating for neonatal care, helping countless children. —Norman B. Gildin, Sun Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2026

This can affect fetal and infant health development, potentially resulting in premature birth, low birth weight and a higher risk of congenital anomalies, the report said. —Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 4 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

circa 1529, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for premature

• annexure
• embouchure
• epicure
• immature
• paramour
• reassure
• reinsure
• sinecure
• abjure
• adjure
• allure
• assure

Kids Definition

premature

adjective

pre·​ma·​ture ˌprē-mə-ˈt(y)u̇(ə)r  -ˈchu̇(ə)r 

: 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

prematurity

-ˈt(y)u̇r-ət-ē  -ˈchu̇r- 

noun

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

: preemie