What does newborn mean?
A newborn is a baby who has only just been born, and as an adjective, newborn describes a person, animal, or thing that has recently come into existence. The word is especially common in medical and care contexts, as in “newborn infant,” where it identifies a child at the earliest stage of life. It can also be used more broadly for anything recently created, such as a newborn idea or newborn industry, though such figurative uses may sound formal or metaphorical. The expression is formed directly from “new” and “born,” making its meaning transparent. Compared with the broader word “baby,” newborn places greater emphasis on the immediate period following birth rather than on a child’s age generally.
Recently born or newly created.
"The hospital provides special care for newborn infants."
Common in medical, childcare, and general descriptive contexts. Figurative uses are possible but may be formal.
A baby who has just been born.
"A nurse gently wrapped the newborn in a soft blanket."
Usually refers to a human infant, though it can also be used for a newborn animal.
The plural is uncommon in ordinary conversation but is standard when referring to multiple newborn infants or animals.
"The shelter cares for several newborns that were separated from their mothers."
The word combines two everyday ideas—newness and birth—to describe the very beginning of a human life.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of newborn
“Newborn” is a compound formed from the English words “new” and “born.” Both elements are of Old English origin: “new” is inherited from Old English and “born” is the past participle of Old English “beran,” meaning “to bear” or “to bring forth.” The compound has been used in English since the medieval period, originally referring to a newly born child.
How newborn is actually used
In medical contexts, “newborn” may be used as an adjective for an infant in the neonatal period. It is generally neutral and is also used figuratively for something newly created or emerging.