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
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
The antioxidants specific to hawthorn berries may benefit some cancers, heart problems, type 2 diabetes, asthma and premature skin aging.
—
Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Arnold’s very sad and wildly premature passing led to fans swarming DSPs and digital retailers to reconnect with some of his signature band’s biggest hits.
—Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 11 Feb. 2026
For three others, the decision to leave Dinkytown with college eligibility remaining is looking premature — and costly for the Gophers.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 11 Feb. 2026
Bulbs that are planted on the south and west sides of your home and other structures are especially prone to premature emergence, as these areas are warmer because of the reflected sunlight.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for premature
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Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Arnold’s very sad and wildly premature passing led to fans swarming DSPs and digital retailers to reconnect with some of his signature band’s biggest hits.
—Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 11 Feb. 2026
For three others, the decision to leave Dinkytown with college eligibility remaining is looking premature — and costly for the Gophers.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 11 Feb. 2026
Bulbs that are planted on the south and west sides of your home and other structures are especially prone to premature emergence, as these areas are warmer because of the reflected sunlight.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for premature
Cite this Entry
“Premature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/premature. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
premature
adjective
pre·ma·ture
ˌprē-mə-ˈt(y)u̇(ə)r
-ˈchu̇(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
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