newborn

American  

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

adjective

1. recently or only just born.

2. born anew; reborn.

   a newborn faith in human goodness.

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noun

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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Etymology

Origin of newborn

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

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

California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the state will provide 400 free diapers to each newborn leaving a hospital.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

"She is perfect and healthy, and her big brother is joyfully adjusting to life with his new baby sister. We are enjoying every moment in our blissful newborn bubble."

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

As the need for the community outreach waned, Morad lost touch with the mother she had teamed up with and refocused her energy on directing the newborn nursery at Vanderbilt Health.

From Salon • May 7, 2026

We sent a reporter undercover, booking online consultations with both women while posing as the mother of a nine-week-old newborn, whose baby was waking frequently at night.

From BBC • May 5, 2026

He would not just disappear on his wife and newborn.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny