babe

babe · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (Literary/archaic) A baby or infant.

  2. 2.

    (Informal) An affectionate term of address for a romantic partner.

  3. 3.

    (Informal, sometimes offensive) An attractive young woman.

  4. 4.

    An innocent or inexperienced person.

Forms

plural: babes

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    babe in arms — A very young baby being carried.
  • •
    babe in the woods — A naive or inexperienced person.
  • •
    out of the mouths of babes — Wisdom or insight from unexpected sources (children).

Related words

See also: baby, darling, infant, sweetheart
Synonyms: baby, darling, infant, sweetheart

Etymology

From Middle English baban, of uncertain origin, possibly imitative of infant sounds. Related to baby.