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
Synonyms
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
Biden’s boastful claim that Putin’s invasion of Ukraine gave new life and purpose to NATO has proved premature.
—
Arthur Herman, National Review, 9 July 2024
Generally, breastfeeding is recommended for infants in high-risk situations, especially for premature babies in the neonatal intensive care unit.
—Vincent Iannelli, Parents, 9 July 2024
This news had been initially reported at the start of free agency last week, though James L. Edwards III of The Athletic had warned at the time that those reports were premature, and the team was finessing some elements of the agreement before it would be ratified.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 9 July 2024
One 2023 study published in the Lancet found chronic dehydration can lead to premature aging, chronic disease (including heart failure, diabetes, and dementia), and premature death.
—Jamie Friedlander Serrano, TIME, 8 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for premature 
Arthur Herman, National Review, 9 July 2024
Generally, breastfeeding is recommended for infants in high-risk situations, especially for premature babies in the neonatal intensive care unit.
—Vincent Iannelli, Parents, 9 July 2024
This news had been initially reported at the start of free agency last week, though James L. Edwards III of The Athletic had warned at the time that those reports were premature, and the team was finessing some elements of the agreement before it would be ratified.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 9 July 2024
One 2023 study published in the Lancet found chronic dehydration can lead to premature aging, chronic disease (including heart failure, diabetes, and dementia), and premature death.
—Jamie Friedlander Serrano, TIME, 8 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for premature
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'premature.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near premature
Cite this Entry
“Premature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/premature. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
premature
adjective
pre·ma·ture
ˌprē-mə-ˈt(y)u̇(ə)r
-ˈchu̇(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
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