baby
ba-by · noun
Definitions
noun
- 1.
A very young child, especially one that has not yet begun to walk or talk.
- 2.
A young or newly born animal.
- 3.
[informal]A person's lover or spouse (term of endearment).
- 4.
[informal]One's special project or creation.
- 5.
A timid, immature, or childish person.
- 6.
Very young; small.
- 7.
Treat someone with excessive care.
Forms
plural: babies
Phrases & expressions
- •baby boom — A significant increase in births.
- •baby steps — Small, initial movements or progress.
- •throw the baby out with the bathwater — Discard something valuable along with the unwanted.
- •baby shower — A party celebrating an expected baby.
- •leave someone holding the baby — Leave someone responsible for a problem.
- •sleep like a baby — Sleep very soundly.
Related words
Etymology
From Middle English babi, baby, probably of imitative origin, representing baby talk.