new moon
Americannoun
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the moon either when in conjunction with the sun or soon after, being either invisible or visible only as a slender crescent.
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the phase of the moon at this time.
noun
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the moon when it appears as a narrow waxing crescent
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the time at which this occurs
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astronomy one of the four principal phases of the moon, occurring when it lies between the earth and the sun
Etymology
Origin of new moon
before 1000; Middle English; Old English
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
With the event coinciding with a new moon for the first time since 2018, you just need to find a dark spot away from city lights and enjoy the display.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026
The first day of the Chinese New Year falls on the new moon which appears between 21 January and 20 February every year.
From BBC • Feb. 22, 2026
To find out, the group systematically observed the worms' daily activities when there was a new moon.
From Science Daily • Apr. 15, 2024
Ramadan lasts one lunar cycle, measured from new moon to new moon.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2024
On the fourth night, it was Rosh Chodesh, a new moon, when the night sky is at its darkest, lit by naught but the light of stars.
From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
