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.
But premature calls for a ceasefire or rash recognitions of statehood merely soothe consciences, while signaling to jihadists and authoritarian powers that the West need only be outlasted. Aviva Klompas, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025 Phthalates have been linked to fertility problems, premature birth, behavioral disorders in children, obesity, depression, cancer and cardiovascular disease. Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025 When asked whether the move was premature, Jeff Fleming, a spokesman for the mayor's office, cited state regulations. Vanessa Swales, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025 Worried about putting a premature end to all your showgirl dreams because of the metal’s scratchiness? Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 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 8 Oct. 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

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