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

plural

newborn, newborns

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

Heel prick tests are medically known as Newborn bloodspot screening.

From BBC • Jan. 6, 2026

Newborn babies have been dying from the severe cold and hundreds of children have gone to hospitals with respiratory problems.

From Slate • Feb. 25, 2025

Newborn stars are typically surrounded by spinning rings of dust and gas known as protoplanetary disks, which provide the raw materials necessary for planets to take shape.

From Science Magazine • Mar. 8, 2024

Newborn bottlenose dolphins sport a row of hairs along the tops of their jaws.

From New York Times • Nov. 30, 2023

Newborn, preschool children, and music: Undesirable consequences of thoughtless neglect.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin