newborn

American  

[noo-bawrn, nyoo-] / ˈnuˈbɔrn, ˈnju- /

adjective

1. recently or only just born.

2. born anew; reborn.

   a newborn faith in human goodness.

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noun

• newborn,
  plural
• newborns
  plural

1. a newborn infant; neonate.

newborn British  

/ ˈnjuːˌbɔːn /

adjective

1. 1. recently or just born

   2. ( as collective noun; preceded by the )

      the newborn

2. (of hope, faith, etc) reborn

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• newborn
  plural
• newborns
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of newborn

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; see origin at new, born

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Explanation

A newborn is literally a baby animal (including us human animals) who was born in the past month. Figuratively, newborn describes anything recently born or created, like a newborn interest in vocabulary. Little babies are newborns until they're a month old — four weeks is the official human newborn cut-off age. Then they’re just regular ol’ babies. Other things can be newborn as long as they’re brand new — a newborn restaurant was opened recently, a newborn celebrity might be 18 but she just got famous. You could have a newborn fear if you recently became scared of something. Most newborns are not scary, though. (Unless you’re babysitting one.)

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

newborn newborns

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration expects ocean temperatures at hatch time to be just right for newborn turtles.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 30, 2026

“Just having a newborn, I was like, ‘Why can’t I go read this book in a fantasy-themed cabin?’

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 20, 2026

A woman whose newborn daughter became ill after catching a potentially serious respiratory illness is urging other pregnant women to make sure they are vaccinated against it.

From BBC ● Oct. 13, 2026

Every newborn in China is required to receive a BCG tuberculosis vaccine within 24 hours of birth.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 13, 2026

By 1904 he was married, had a newborn son, and was laboring in the patent office—hardly the path to greatness.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife

That also will enable the government to add about two million additional newborns a year without parents signing up.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 29, 2026

In Riverside County, newborns can be surrendered at most hospitals and fire stations.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 26, 2026

According to the paper, the inquiry found there was a "complete failure" to protect newborns at the Countess of Chester Hospital and parents were kept in the dark for years over the concerns.

From BBC ● Sep. 16, 2026

The draw of Trump accounts is straightforward for families with newborns: Babies born between 2025 and 2028 are eligible for a free $1,000 deposit from the federal government.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 14, 2026

Below are a few of the rhymes and songs particularly good for newborns and toddlers.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

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