new moon

noun

1

: the moon's phase when it is in conjunction with the sun so that its dark side is toward the earth

also : the thin crescent moon seen shortly after sunset for a few days after the actual occurrence of the new moon phase

2

: the beginning of each Jewish month marked by a special liturgy

Examples of new moon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The month wraps up with a visionary new moon in Aquarius on Jan. 29, setting the stage for new beginnings. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Jan. 2025

When there are no new moons in February, January and March each have two new moons, the second of each being a Black Moon. —Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 31 Dec. 2024

This year, the shower’s peak will coincide with a new moon, offering the darkest possible skies and, as a result, the best possible viewing conditions. —Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Dec. 2024

The Magician: October opens with a new moon solar eclipse in your seventh house of relationships. —Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

new moon

noun

: the moon's phase when its dark side is toward the earth

also : the thin curved outline of the moon seen shortly after sunset for a few days after the actual occurrence of the new moon phase