baby

I. noun (plural babies) Etymology: Middle English, from babe Date: 14th century 1. a. (1) an extremely young child; especially infant (2) an extremely young animal b. the youngest of a group 2. a. one that is like a baby (as in behavior) b. something that is one's special responsibility, achievement, or interest 3. slang a. girl, woman — often used in address b. boy, man — often used in address 4. person, thing <

is one tough baby

> • babyhood noun • babyish adjective II. adjective Date: 1591 1. of, relating to, or being a baby 2. much smaller than the usual <

baby carrots

> <

a baby flattop

> <

take two baby steps

> III. transitive verb (babied; babying) Date: 1742 1. to tend to indulge with often excessive or inappropriate care and solicitude <

babying their only child

> 2. to use or treat with care <

babying a sore knee

> Synonyms: see indulge