premature

adjective

pre·​ma·​ture ˌprē-mə-ˈchu̇r How to pronounce premature (audio)
-ˈchər,
 also  -ˈtu̇r,
-ˈtyu̇r How to pronounce premature (audio)
 also  ˌpre-
: happening, arriving, existing, or performed before the proper, usual, or intended time
especially : born after a gestation period of less than 37 weeks
premature babies
premature noun
prematurely adverb
prematureness noun
prematurity noun

Examples of premature in a Sentence

Her premature death at age 30 stunned her family and friends. Too much exposure to the sun can cause the premature aging of skin.
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.
The obituary was premature, but Technicolor made steady progress in the next few years, mainly in genres trafficking in escapism — musicals, costume dramas, travelogues and animation. Thomas Doherty, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2025 Their stand-off during an open house triggers the pregnant real estate agent into premature labor, adding another alarming layer of dread to the survival premise. J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 11 Mar. 2025 However, claims that Johns is finished in singles are pretty premature: to qualify for the year end finals, one only needs to get a couple of slam/cup wins and maintain a healthy set of results otherwise. Todd Boss, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 Three types of oil did the most to reduce the risk of premature death: canola, soybean, and olive. Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for premature

Word History

Etymology

Latin praematurus too early, from prae- + maturus ripe, mature

First Known Use

circa 1529, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of premature was circa 1529

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Premature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/premature. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

premature

adjective
: happening, coming, existing, or done before the proper or usual time
especially : born after a period of pregnancy of less than 37 weeks
premature babies
prematurely adverb

Medical Definition

premature

1 of 2 adjective
pre·​ma·​ture
-mə-ˈt(y)u̇(ə)r, -ˈchu̇(ə)r, chiefly British ˌprem-ə-
: happening, arriving, existing, or performed before the proper, usual, or intended time
premature puberty
premature aging
especially : born after a gestation period of less than 37 weeks
premature babies
prematurely adverb

premature

2 of 2 noun

More from Merriam-Webster on premature

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