DictionaryAI

baby

BAY-bee/ˈbeɪ̯.bi/

Pluralbabies

Adjectivebabier, babyer, baby-er, babiest, babyest, baby-est

13 meanings of baby

Practice

  1. 1
    infantnouncountable
    A very young child, from before it is born until it is about two years old.

    The baby slept through the whole night for the first time.

    She carried the baby in a soft sling all afternoon.

    UsagePeople say have a baby and a baby girl or a baby boy.

    Similarinfant

    Note
  2. 2
    newborn animalnouncountable
    A very young animal, like a kitten, puppy, or chick.

    The baby elephant stayed close to the herd all day.

    Newborn kittens are tiny, helpless babies for their first few weeks.

    UsageSay a baby elephant, baby birds.

    Similaryoung

  3. 3
    small and youngadjective
    Small or young for its kind, like baby carrots picked before they are fully grown.

    Her baby teeth started falling out when she turned six.

    He took baby steps toward his first big goal.

    Similaryoung, miniature

    Note
  4. 4
    sweetheartnouncountable
    A loving name for a boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, or wife, or for someone you find attractive.

    Baby, I missed you so much today.

    She called him baby in front of all his friends.

    UsageMy baby can mean my partner. You can also call your partner baby.

    Similardarling, honey, sweetheart, babe, love

    Note
  5. 5
    nouncountable
    A loving name you call someone or something you care about.

    "Come on, baby, start," he begged his old truck.

    She hugged her old cat and said, "You're my sweet baby."

    UsagePeople say this baby about a car they love.

    Similardarling, sweetheart, honey, sweetie, dear

  6. 6
    own creationnouncountable
    A project or job that someone is in charge of, often one they started and care about a lot.

    This song is my baby, and I worked on it for months.

    The little garden out back is her baby.

    UsageSay it's his baby, meaning his own project.

    Similarbrainchild

  7. 7
    interjectioncolloquial
    A word people shout when they are excited or happy, or to make what they say sound stronger.

    He scored the last goal and yelled, "Yeah, baby!"

    Oh, baby, this pizza is good!

    UsageUsually comes at the end of a sentence after a comma: We won, baby!

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of baby apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From Middle English "baby," a small or affectionate form of "babe." It may come from baby talk sounds.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 2 facts