premature

adjective

pre·​ma·​ture ˌprē-mə-ˈchu̇r How to pronounce premature (audio)
-ˈchər
also -ˈtu̇r, 
-ˈtyu̇r How to pronounce premature (audio)
also ˌpre-
Synonyms of premature
: 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 How to pronounce premature (audio)
-ˈchər, 
-ˈtu̇r-, 
-ˈtyu̇r- How to pronounce premature (audio)
noun

Synonyms of premature

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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.
This isn’t the first time Lloyd Webber has spoken out about the show’s premature end. — Matt Minton, Variety, 8 Aug. 2026 Hormone therapy is also used to treat premature menopause if a woman has had her ovaries removed. — Mara Gordon, NPR, 7 Aug. 2026 The result is wasted energy, higher utility bills, uncomfortable rooms and premature equipment failures. — Brynn Cooksey, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 The aim of the brand’s new launch is to halt premature scalp aging. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 5 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for premature

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Browse Nearby Words

prematuration
premature
prematurely
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Premature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/premature. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

premature

adjective
pre·​ma·​ture ˌprē-mə-ˈt(y)u̇(ə)r How to pronounce premature (audio) -ˈchu̇(ə)r How to pronounce premature (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce premature (audio) -ˈchu̇r- How to pronounce premature (audio)
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

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Nglish: Translation of premature for Spanish Speakers

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