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

• early
• inopportune
• precocious
• unseasonable
• untimely

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

Advertisement Too much optimism and hype may lead to the premature use of technologies that are not ready for prime time. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2024

Our 8-year-old was born severely premature, and that added a few years of weekly appointments with specialists, ordering supplies, hospital stays, and the like. —R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2024

The collection starts at just $12 and includes pieces to swaddle and cozy up with babies ranging from premature size to 5 years old, plus there’s even a matching robe for mom in two iconic prints seen throughout the collection. —Ariel Scotti, Peoplemag, 3 Sep. 2024

For pregnant people, listeria can cause miscarriages, premature births or a life-threatening infection for the newborn, according to the CDC. —Binghui Huang, The Indianapolis Star, 17 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

circa 1529, in the meaning defined above

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