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.

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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

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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

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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

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

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 Literature

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