preemie

[ pree-mee ]

noun

, Informal.

1. an infant born prematurely; a preterm.

preemie

/ ˈpriːmɪ /

noun

1. slang.
   a premature infant

Word History and Origins

Origin of preemie¹

1925–30; prem(ature), respelled to represent the pronunciation unambiguously + -ie

Word History and Origins

Origin of preemie¹

C20: altered from premature

Example Sentences

Eventually, after confirming that there was enough oxygen to keep the preemies breathing for at least 48 hours, officials let them stay where they were.

From MIT Technology Review

These delicate preemies are frequently born weighing less than 2 pounds.

From ProPublica

The preemie makes a fist and, summoning all his strength, punches through the glass case of his incubator.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• babe
• chick
• child
• kid
• toddler
• youngster