neonate

noun

ne·​o·​nate ˈnē-ə-ˌnāt 

: a newborn child

especially : a child less than a month old

Synonyms

• babe
• baby
• bambino
• child
• infant
• newborn

Examples of neonate in a Sentence

the hospital has added a new wing especially for neonates

Recent Examples on the Web

This means there is a two-month window after birth where neonates are at their most vulnerable. —Paul Sisson, The Mercury News, 18 Nov. 2024

Existing studies show that loud noise can cause a stress response in neonates, but lullabies and breath sounds can help calm babies. —Dr. Abimbola Okulaja, ABC News, 27 June 2024

The availability of such services in the home can help promote adequate nutrition and more close monitoring of the neonate’s hemodynamic stability, including temperature and blood glucose monitoring. —Julia Hinkle, Hartford Courant, 22 Apr. 2024

In some cases, the kittens are neonates in need of 24/7 care and special equipment, like incubators, formula, syringes, bottles, medications and a dedicated volunteer who will feed them every two hours, including during the night. —USA TODAY, 27 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin neonatus (short for infans neonatus, neo-natus puerulus, etc.), from neo- neo- + Latin natus, past participle of nāscī "to be born" — more at nation

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

neonate

noun

ne·​o·​nate ˈnē-ə-ˌnāt 

: a newborn infant

especially : an infant less than a month old