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

Fortunately, this month's new moon is approaching on Jan. 29. —Skyler Caruso, People.com, 10 Jan. 2025

Because a lunar cycle lasts 29.5 days, having two new moons in one month is rare but inevitable if the first new moon falls on the first or second day of the month. —George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024

According to the International Astronomical Union's Minor Planet Center, however, three new moons are in orbit around these two planets. —Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 19 Dec. 2024

The annual new moon in Sagittarius is usually an extraordinarily advantageous and prosperous time. —Lisa Stardust, refinery29.com, 29 Nov. 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