preemie

noun

pree·​mie ˈprē-mē How to pronounce preemie (audio)
variants or less commonly
Synonyms of preemienext
: a premature baby

Examples of preemie in a Sentence

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.
Fortifier, a product tailored to preemies, is meant to augment mother’s milk when babies are born prematurely and a mother’s milk alone doesn’t deliver enough nutrition. David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026 After his birth, the preemie baby was immediately taken to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where a dedicated team of nurses, specialists and neonatologists provided care for him. Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 2 Jan. 2026 Doctors are able to take preemies off ventilation with non-invasive methods, including a nasal ventilation, that don't involve a breathing tube. Beth Warren, Nashville Tennessean, 15 Oct. 2025 Born a micro preemie at under 26 weeks, little Alistair was also at very high risk for severe disease from other germs, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Tara Haelle, Scientific American, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for preemie

Word History

Etymology

premature + -ie

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of preemie was in 1927

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preemie.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preemie. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

Medical Definition

preemie

noun
pree·​mie
variants or premie
: a baby born prematurely

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