babies
/ˈbeɪbiz/
NOUN
1. Very young children or infants
Plural of baby; very young human beings, especially those in the earliest stage of life who are not yet able to walk or care for themselves.
1.1. Infants and newborn children
Refers to very young children, particularly newborns and infants who depend on adults for care.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The hospital provides special care for premature babies.
- The parents watched their sleeping babies in the nursery.
Related Words
- children
- toddlers
- youngsters
- little ones
- offspring
- progeny
- brood
- nursery
- newborn
1.2. Young animals
Refers to the young or newborn offspring of animals, especially mammals.
Synonyms
- offspring
- young
- younglings
- pups
- cubs
- litter
Antonyms
Examples
- The mother cat kept her babies warm in the basket.
- The zoo welcomed several panda babies this year.
Related Words
NOUN
2. People or things treated with special care or affection
A plural form used informally for people or things that someone cares about deeply, protects, or treats as especially important.
2.1. Beloved or cherished people
An affectionate informal reference to people who are especially dear to someone.
Synonyms
Examples
- Come here, babies; I have something wonderful to tell you.
- The grandmother always called her grandchildren her babies.
Related Words
- loved ones
- dearest
- honey
- cherished ones
- favorites
2.2. Projects or possessions treated as personal favorites
Used figuratively for projects, responsibilities, or possessions that someone regards with particular affection or pride.
Synonyms
- projects
- favorites
- pride and joys
Examples
- The two research projects were the director's babies, and she personally supervised every detail.
Related Words
- undertakings
- creations
- brainchildren
- pet projects
- personal ventures