preemie

noun

pree·​mie ˈprē-mē How to pronounce preemie (audio)
variants or less commonly premie
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.
The nonprofit Once Upon a Room brought volunteers to the NICU at San Francisco's Sutter Health's CPMC to transform a few of the walls in the rooms to something more welcoming for preemies and their parents. Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026 When Kirstie Rickert’s daughter was born a preemie two years ago, diaper rashes were a major and relentless struggle. Kate Sequeira, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026 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, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026 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 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 25 Apr. 2026.

Medical Definition

preemie

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

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