premature

adjective

pre·​ma·​ture ˌprē-mə-ˈchu̇r 

-ˈchər

also -ˈtu̇r, 

-ˈtyu̇r 

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

ˌprē-mə-ˈchu̇r-ə-tē 

-ˈchər, 

-ˈtu̇r-, 

-ˈtyu̇r- 

noun

Synonyms of premature

• early
• untimely
• unexpected
• sudden
• precocious
• inopportune

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

Because inadequate rest raises mortality, premature deaths add to the economic headwind. —Tristan Bove, Fortune, 4 May 2026

The Cowboys were on the clock at 20, and the Steelers took it for granted that the Cowboys would not be taking (Makai) Lemon and, further, nobody would trade into that spot, so the congratulatory call was made and that was obviously premature. —Mike Defabo, New York Times, 4 May 2026

Best sun-protective shampoo This OGX formula has a UVA/UVB filter blend that slows premature fading, especially with prolonged exposure to the sun. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 4 May 2026

That suggests the launch could be somewhat premature. —Paulina Likos, CNBC, 4 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

circa 1529, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for premature

• annexure
• embouchure
• epicure
• immature
• paramour
• reassure
• reinsure
• sinecure
• abjure
• adjure
• allure
• assure

Kids Definition

premature

adjective

pre·​ma·​ture ˌprē-mə-ˈt(y)u̇(ə)r  -ˈchu̇(ə)r 

: 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

prematurity

-ˈt(y)u̇r-ət-ē  -ˈchu̇r- 

noun

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

: preemie