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

However, dubbing him the best QB in the conference might be a bit premature. —Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025

The White House did not respond to a request for comment, but the administration in court had argued that Trump's order was lawful and that any legal challenge to its provisions was premature. —Nate Raymond, USA Today, 13 June 2025

Still, Lapinsky cautioned that the optimism among retailers could be premature. —Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 12 June 2025

Reports of the singularity's demise may have been premature. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 11 June 2025

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