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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Supermoon refers to a full or a new moon rising near or while the moon reaches perigee, its closest distance to Earth in its orbit around the planet, according to NASA. Kelly Tyko, Axios, 16 Oct. 2024 Like a regular new moon, a solar eclipse presents opportunities for fresh starts, potential, and new beginnings. Katie Robinson, StyleCaster, 13 Sep. 2024 Always coinciding with a new moon, the five-day-long festival brings together prayers, food, and fireworks, often taking days to weeks to prepare for. Prinita Thevarajah, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024 Use this new moon as an opportunity to connect to and understand your boo. Lisa Stardust, refinery29.com, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for new moon 

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of new moon was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near new moon

Cite this Entry

“New moon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/new%20moon. Accessed 20 Nov. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on new moon

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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