newborn

1 of 2

adjective

new·​born ˈnü-ˌbȯrn How to pronounce newborn (audio)
ˈnyü-
1
: recently born
2
: born anew

newborn

2 of 2

noun

plural newborn or newborns
: a newborn individual

Examples of newborn in a Sentence

Adjective felt like a newborn activist after that pep rally Noun a mother goat and all of her newborn intentionally bought clothes that were too big for her newborn but which undoubtedly would fit him in a few months
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.
Adjective
Schaffner is still an alternate liaison member of ACIP, and hopes to express his support for universal newborn vaccination at the next meeting. Kff Health News, Oc Register, 16 Sep. 2025 Set in a retrofuturistic 1960s, the adventure has the heroes scrambling to deal with an existential crisis when the planet-devouring Galactus (Ralph Ineson) shows up, threatening to consume Earth unless Reed and Sue give him their newborn son. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
Houry argued in her testimony that Kennedy’s direction will not Make America Health Again, pointing to staffing cuts at offices focused on tobacco, HIV, oral health and screenings for newborns. Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 16 Sep. 2025 Projects like Bitcoin Babies provide mothers with newborns under the age of one with extra money through Bitcoin, which can be exchanged for goods and services with local merchants that accept Bitcoin. Roger Huang, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for newborn

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1786, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of newborn was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Newborn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/newborn. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

newborn

1 of 2 adjective
new·​born ˈn(y)ü-ˈbȯ(ə)rn How to pronounce newborn (audio)
1
: recently born
2
: born anew

newborn

2 of 2 noun
plural newborn or newborns
: a newborn individual

Medical Definition

newborn

1 of 2 adjective
new·​born ˈn(y)ü-ˈbȯ(ə)rn How to pronounce newborn (audio)
1
: recently born
a newborn infant
2
: affecting or relating to the newborn

newborn

2 of 2 noun
new·​born -ˌbȯ(ə)rn How to pronounce newborn (audio)
plural newborn or newborns
: a newborn infant : neonate

More from Merriam-Webster on newborn

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