baby

/ˈbeɪbi/
nounBeginner
formal

A very young child, especially one not yet able to walk or talk.

The couple had a baby last year.

They are taking care of their newborn baby.

💡

Can also refer to a person's child, regardless of age.

informal

A person who is treated like a baby, especially because they are very young or inexperienced.

Stop acting like a baby and be brave.

Collocations

baby booma period when many babies are bornbaby talkthe way people talk to babies

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

baby stepsidiom
small steps

💡Pro Tip

Using 'baby' as a verb

You can use 'baby' as a verb to mean treating someone like a baby.

Gold Rule

Singular and Plural

The plural form of 'baby' is 'babies'.

📖Word Origin

From Old English 'bæb', of uncertain origin.

📝Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 'baby' with 'babie', an old word for a doll.

Word Breakdown

bab-
related to infants
root
+
-y
diminutive suffix
suffix
English Dictionary