new moon

American  

noun

1. the moon either when in conjunction with the sun or soon after, being either invisible or visible only as a slender crescent.

2. the phase of the moon at this time.

---

new moon British  

noun

1. the moon when it appears as a narrow waxing crescent

2. the time at which this occurs

3. astronomy one of the four principal phases of the moon, occurring when it lies between the earth and the sun

---

new moon Scientific  

/ no̅o̅ /

1. The phase of the Moon that occurs when it passes between Earth and the Sun, making it either invisible or visible only as a thin crescent at sunset.

2. See more at moon Compare full moon

---

Etymology

Origin of new moon

before 1000; Middle English; Old English

Compare meaning

How does new-moon compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• new moon vs. full moon

Example Sentences

This is thanks to the new moon, which cuts down on natural light — though unfortunately not L.A.’s widespread light pollution.

From Los Angeles Times

The peak coincides with the new moon so viewing conditions will be ideal with no moonlight pollution.

From BBC

Millions of people across Asia and the world are welcoming the Lunar New Year which coincides with the first new moon of the lunar calendar.

From BBC

Mother Nature put on a particularly spectacular show last year when the peak of the Perseids meteor shower fell on a Saturday with a new moon.

From Los Angeles Times

To find out, the group systematically observed the worms' daily activities when there was a new moon.

From Science Daily