OpenSynonym

baby

/ˈbeɪbi/

NOUN

1. A very young human child

A very young human being, especially one from birth until approximately two years of age or until beginning to walk and develop greater independence.

1.1. Infants and newborn children

Used to refer to a human child in the earliest stage of life, particularly a newborn or an infant who still depends heavily on adult care.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The new parents marveled at the tiny fingers and toes of their precious baby.
  • The nurse gently checked the newborn baby before taking the infant to the nursery.
  • The baby slept peacefully in her mother's arms.

Related Words

1.2. Premature infants

Used specifically for babies born before completing the normal period of pregnancy and who may require specialized medical attention.

Synonyms

  • preemie
  • premie

Examples

  • The preemie was placed in an incubator to receive specialized medical care.
  • The hospital provides additional support for babies born prematurely.

Related Words

NOUN

2. A young animal

The offspring of an animal during its earliest stage of development, before reaching maturity.

2.1. Young animals and offspring

Used informally to describe the young of an animal, particularly one that has not yet reached its adult size or developmental stage.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The mother bear carefully protected her baby from approaching predators.
  • The farmer watched the newborn baby lamb take its first steps.
  • The zoo welcomed a baby elephant born earlier that morning.

Related Words

  • cub
  • chick
  • kitten
  • puppy
  • calf
  • foal
  • hatchling
  • litter
  • brood
  • mother animal

NOUN

3. An unborn child

A developing human offspring that has not yet been born, particularly during pregnancy.

3.1. Pregnancy and fetal development

Used affectionately or informally to refer to a developing child inside the mother's womb before birth.

Synonyms

  • fetus
  • unborn child

Examples

  • The expectant parents were excited to see their baby during the ultrasound.
  • She felt her baby move for the first time during her pregnancy.

Related Words

NOUN

4. An immature or childish person

A person who behaves in an immature, dependent, or excessively sensitive manner, often displaying childish reactions to ordinary situations.

4.1. Childish behavior and emotional immaturity

Used informally, sometimes critically, to describe someone who complains, cries, or demands attention instead of handling situations maturely.

Synonyms

  • crybaby
  • babyish person
  • infantile person

Antonyms

Examples

  • Stop being such a baby and learn to accept constructive criticism.
  • He acted like a baby whenever things did not go his way.
  • Nobody wanted to work with someone who behaved like a crybaby.

Related Words

NOUN

5. An inexperienced beginner

A person who is new to an activity, profession, subject, or situation and has little practical knowledge or experience.

5.1. Learning and lack of experience

Used informally to describe someone who is just starting to learn or participate in an activity and has not yet developed the necessary skills or expertise.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • I'm still a baby when it comes to programming, so I have a lot to learn.
  • Every experienced developer was once a baby in the industry.
  • As a rookie, he needed guidance from more experienced colleagues.

Related Words

NOUN

6. The youngest member of a family

The youngest child or last-born sibling in a family, regardless of their current age.

6.1. Youngest siblings and family relationships

Used to identify the youngest member of a family, who may continue to be called the baby even after growing into adulthood.

Synonyms

  • youngest
  • youngest sibling
  • lastborn

Antonyms

  • eldest
  • firstborn
  • oldest sibling

Examples

  • Although she is thirty years old, she will always be the baby of the family.
  • Their youngest sibling is still treated like the baby of the household.
  • Being the lastborn, he received plenty of attention from his older brothers and sisters.

Related Words

NOUN

7. A romantic term of endearment

An affectionate informal term used to address or refer to a romantic partner, such as a boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, or wife.

7.1. Romantic partners and expressions of affection

Used as an intimate pet name between romantic partners to express love, tenderness, attachment, or emotional closeness.

Synonyms

Examples

  • Good morning, baby. I hope you have a wonderful day.
  • She called her husband baby as they walked along the beach.
  • He sent a message saying, 'I miss you, baby.'

Related Words

NOUN

8. An attractive person

An informal term of address or reference for someone considered physically attractive, often used in a flirtatious or admiring manner.

8.1. Physical attractiveness and flirtation

Used as a casual or flirtatious expression when addressing or describing an attractive person, particularly in romantic or social situations.

Synonyms

Examples

  • Hey, baby, would you like to dance?
  • Everyone at the party thought she was a real babe.
  • He smiled at the attractive woman and called her baby.

Related Words

NOUN

9. A cherished project or responsibility

Something regarded with particular affection, pride, or personal investment because it has received considerable attention, effort, or care.

9.1. Personal projects and special responsibilities

Used figuratively for a project, undertaking, or responsibility that someone considers especially important and treats with great personal care and attention.

Synonyms

  • pet project
  • pride and joy
  • brainchild

Examples

  • The new website is his baby, and he personally oversees every detail.
  • The community garden became her baby after years of dedicated work.
  • He considers the research project his pride and joy.

Related Words

NOUN

10. An affectionate name for someone or something

An informal expression of fondness used to refer to a person, animal, possession, or something regarded as especially dear or valuable.

10.1. Affectionate names and cherished possessions

Used as a general term of affection or attachment when addressing someone or referring to something that is especially loved, treasured, or personally valued.

Synonyms

Examples

  • Come here, baby, and let me give you a hug.
  • This old car is my baby, and I take excellent care of it.
  • She affectionately called her little dog baby.

Related Words

NOUN

11. A doll or representation of an infant

A small representation of a human infant, particularly a toy designed to resemble a real baby.

11.1. Dolls and infant toys

Used to describe a toy or miniature figure modeled after a human infant, commonly intended for children's play or collecting.

Synonyms

  • doll
  • baby doll

Examples

  • The little girl carried her baby everywhere she went.
  • She received a beautiful baby doll for her birthday.
  • The miniature baby was displayed among the collection of antique toys.

Related Words

  • toy
  • figurine
  • plaything
  • miniature
  • nursery toy
  • stuffed animal

VERB

12. To pamper or treat with excessive care

To treat someone with excessive tenderness, attention, or indulgence, often in a way that prevents them from developing independence.

12.1. Overprotective care and indulgence

Used to describe treating someone as though they were an infant by protecting, indulging, or attending to their needs excessively.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • Parents should avoid babying their children if they want them to become independent.
  • His grandmother continued to pamper and coddle him long after he became an adult.
  • She tends to spoil her youngest son by giving him everything he wants.

Related Words

  • overprotection
  • indulgence
  • tenderness
  • attention
  • dependency
  • nurture

VERB

13. To care for something excessively

To give something unusually careful attention, protection, or maintenance, often by treating it as especially valuable or fragile.

13.1. Careful handling and maintenance

Used when someone takes exceptional care of an object, project, or responsibility, frequently fussing over its condition or details.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • He babies his vintage motorcycle, cleaning it after every ride.
  • She carefully tended the garden and babied every delicate plant.
  • The manager babies the new project to make sure nothing goes wrong.

Related Words

ADJECTIVE

14. Very young or infant-like

Describing a child, animal, or other living being that is at an early stage of life and has not yet reached maturity.

14.1. Young children and animals

Used before a noun to indicate that a person or animal is extremely young, especially during the early stages of physical development.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The baby rabbit was kept in a warm and protected enclosure.
  • The mother cat carefully watched over her baby kittens.
  • They prepared a special room for their baby son.

Related Words

ADJECTIVE

15. Designed or intended for infants

Describing products, equipment, clothing, or other items specifically made for the needs, comfort, or safety of babies.

15.1. Infant products and childcare equipment

Used to identify products and items intended for babies, including clothing, food, furniture, accessories, and personal care products.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The store sells baby clothes in a variety of sizes and colors.
  • She bought a baby stroller before the child was born.
  • The supermarket has a separate section for baby products.

Related Words

  • baby food
  • baby clothes
  • crib
  • stroller
  • diaper
  • feeding bottle
  • nursery furniture

ADJECTIVE

16. Small and immature when harvested

Describing vegetables and other agricultural products that are harvested while still small or before reaching their usual mature size.

16.1. Young vegetables and miniature produce

Used before the names of vegetables or other produce to indicate that they are harvested or prepared at a small, immature stage, often valued for their tenderness and delicate flavor.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The restaurant served grilled chicken with baby potatoes.
  • She added fresh baby corn to the vegetable stir-fry.
  • Baby carrots are often used in salads and lunchboxes.

Related Words