Word: baby Part of Speech: noun Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *bʰā- Proto-Germanic *bō-redup. Proto-Germanic *babô Proto-West Germanic *babō Old English *baba Middle English babe Proto-Indo-European *-kos Proto-Germanic *-gaz Proto-West Germanic *-g Old English -iġ Middle English -y Middle English baby English baby From Middle English baby, babie (“baby”), a diminutive form of babe (“babe, baby”), equivalent to babe + -y/-ie (“endearing and diminutive suffix”). Perhaps ultimately imitative of baby talk (compare babble). Pronunciation: /ˈbeɪ.bi/, /ˈbɛj.bɪj/, /ˈbæɪ.bi/, /ˈbeːbi/, /ˈbe.be/ 1. A very young human, particularly from birth to a couple of years old or until walking is fully mastered. Example: The baby new to earth and sky, ⁠What time his tender palm is prest ⁠Against the circle of the breast, Has never thought that ‘this is I:’ […] Example: In that film, I often hid my head in my hands, unable to watch scenes about dead babies and diving into gruesome lavatories. 2. A very young human, particularly from birth to a couple of years old or until walking is fully mastered. Example: When is your baby due? Example: Her baby had always been active, even before he was born, when he would kick her bladder. 3. Any very young animal, especially a vertebrate; many species have specific names for their babies, such as kittens for the babies of cats, puppies for the babies of dogs, and chicks for the babies of birds. See :Category:Baby animals for more. 4. A person who is immature, infantile, or feeble. Example: Stand up for yourself – don't be such a baby! 5. A person who is new to or inexperienced in something. Example: I only qualified as an architect this summer, so I'm still a baby. 6. The lastborn of a family; the youngest sibling, irrespective of age. Example: Adam is the baby of the family. Example: "You are very dull this morning, Sheriff," said the youngest daughter of the house, who, being the baby and pretty, had grown pettishly privileged in speech. 7. A person's romantic partner; a term of endearment used to refer to or address e.g. one's girlfriend, boyfriend, or spouse. Example: Too busy thinking about my baby, and I ain't got time for nothing else. Example: Baby, don't cry. 8. A form of address to a person considered to be attractive. Labels: informal Example: Hey baby, what are you doing later? 9. A thing that is comparatively small of its kind. Example: There will be only seven episodes in the final season. Previous seasons had as many as ten, nine, and eight episodes total. So this one is definitely the baby. After the season premiere, episodes will drop weekly-ish on Thursdays. 10. A concept or creation endeared by its creator. Example: This test program I've designed is my new baby. 11. A pet project or responsibility. Example: You need to talk to John about that – it's his baby. Example: Sovnarkom was Lenin's baby, it was where he focused all his energies […]. 12. An affectionate term for anything. Example: See my new car here? I can't wait to take this baby for a drive. 13. A small image of an infant; a doll. Labels: archaic 14. One who is new to an identity or community. Labels: attributive, often Example: baby queer; baby trans Example: These more general spells and rituals can also be helpful for baby witches, who might want more time to practice before they hop into highly-specific spells.