baby

American  

[bey-bee] / ˈbeɪ bi /

noun

plural

babies

1. an infant or very young child.

2. a newborn or very young animal.

3. the youngest member of a family, group, etc..

   I was the baby of the family for ten years, until my twin brothers were born.

4. an adult who behaves like a child; an immature, helpless, or fearful person.

   Just swallow the medicine—don't be such a baby!

5. a human fetus.

   The baby hasn’t arrived yet, but the nursery is ready.

6. Informal.

   1. Sometimes Disparaging and Offensive. a girl or woman, especially an attractive one.

   2. a person of whom one is deeply fond; sweetheart.

   3. (sometimes initial capital letter) an affectionate or familiar address (sometimes offensive when used to strangers, casual acquaintances, subordinates, etc., especially by a male to a female).

   4. a man or boy; fellow.

      He's a tough baby to have to deal with.

   5. an invention, creation, project, or the like that requires one's special attention or expertise or of which one is especially proud.

      His charitable foundation is his baby and it truly shows.

   6. an object; thing.

      Those big babies can carry a lot of cargo.

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adjective

1. of or suitable for a baby.

   baby clothes.

2. of or like a baby; infantile.

   baby skin.

3. treating babies.

   a baby doctor.

   Synonyms:

   coddle, humor, spoil, indulge

4. small; comparatively little.

   baby eggplants.

verb (used with object)

babied, babying

1. to treat like a young child; pamper.

   She still babies her son although he's nearly 24.

2. to handle or use with special care; treat gently.

baby British  

/ ˈbeɪbɪ /

noun

1. 1. a newborn or recently born child; infant

   2. ( as modifier )

      baby food

2. an unborn child; fetus

3. the youngest or smallest of a family or group

4. 1. a newborn or recently born animal

   2. ( as modifier )

      baby rabbits

5. derogatory an immature person

6. slang a young woman or sweetheart: often used as a term of address expressing affection

7. a project of personal concern

8. to be left with the responsibility

9. to lose the essential element by indiscriminate rejection

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adjective

1. (prenominal) comparatively small of its type

   a baby car

verb

1. to treat with love and attention

2. to treat (someone) like a baby; pamper or overprotect

baby Idioms  

1. see throw out the baby with the bath water.

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Other Word Forms

• babyhood noun
• babyish adjective
• babyishly adverb
• babyishness noun
• babylike adjective

Etymology

Origin of baby

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; babe, -y ²

Example Sentences

Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office helped load a baby stroller and bouncy swing into the couple’s car.

From Salon

Mauren, 26, is expecting her first baby, but her pregnancy has been complicated.

From BBC

She is 15 weeks pregnant and is planning to call her baby son Dean.

From BBC

She said “the shakes” caused her to struggle and the level of care she required made her feel like a baby.

From Los Angeles Times

Such advice was contrary to recognised safe sleeping guidance from the NHS and health professionals for young babies.

From BBC

Related Words

• babe
• chick
• child
• kid
• toddler
• youngster