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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Eclipse seasons last about 37 days, a period of time in which the alignment of the sun and moon can allow for an eclipse to take place at both the full and new moon phases within that more than 5-week period. Joe Rao, Space.com, 26 Mar. 2025 Make room in your life for play and the pursuit of passion, because a wealth of creativity and romance is at your fingertips now—especially during the earthy new moon on April 27. Nina Kahn, StyleCaster, 24 Mar. 2025 The first quarter moon urges us to give extra TLC and slightly augment our new moon intentions, if necessary. Lisa Stardust, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025 But of course, the main draw is the glorious Milky Way, which is most striking during a new moon phase. Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“New moon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/new%20moon. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!