How Do You Spell BABY?

Pronunciation: [bˈe͡ɪbi] (IPA)

The word "baby" is spelled with six letters, B-A-B-Y. It is pronounced as /ˈbeɪbi/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the stress on the first syllable. The two consecutive B's in the word represent the sound of voiced bilabial plosive, which is made by closing the lips together and then releasing them, as in the word "bubble". The 'A' sound in baby is pronounced as a diphthong which is a combination of two vowel sounds /eɪ/ as in "bay".

BABY Meaning and Definition

  1. Baby (noun): A young or newly born human being, particularly during the first few years of life until infancy. Babies are generally characterized by their small size, helplessness, and dependency on adults for their care and survival. They are often considered the epitome of innocence, as they are typically unaffected by societal constructs and have not yet been influenced by external factors.

    From the moment of birth, babies require constant attention, nurturance, and protection, as they are unable to verbalize their needs or care for themselves adequately. They rely heavily on their caregivers for nourishment, shelter, love, and guidance.

    The term "baby" can also be used more broadly to refer to the young offspring of various animals, such as mammals, birds, reptiles, and even certain insects, emphasizing the delicate and vulnerable stage of their lives.

    In popular culture, babies are often associated with attributes like cuteness, laughter, pure innocence, and curiosity. They serve as a source of joy, fascination, and fascination for individuals of all ages, frequently becoming the center of attention and the recipients of affectionate gestures.

    Furthermore, the word "baby" is also employed as an affectionate or endearing term used to address a loved one. It can be used in a romantic context or as a term of endearment toward a child, partner, or even a friend.

  2. An infant, a newborn child, a child yet unable to walk.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. A young child of either sex.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for BABY *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for BABY

Etymology of BABY

The word "baby" has its origin in the English language, but its etymology is uncertain and debated among linguists. Here are a couple of hypotheses regarding its origins:

1. French Influence: One theory suggests that "baby" came from the French word "babe" or "bèbé". This hypothesis suggests that the word was borrowed from French and entered English around the 14th century.

2. Onomatopoeic Origin: Another theory proposes that "baby" might have originated from onomatopoeic sounds used to communicate with infants. The repetition of sounds like "ba-ba" or "bae-bae" could have developed into "baby" over time.

While these theories offer plausible explanations, it's important to note that the exact etymology of "baby" remains uncertain.

Idioms with the word BABY

  • baby blues The idiom "baby blues" refers to a temporary feeling of sadness, mood swings, and emotional instability experienced by some individuals, specifically new mothers, after giving birth. It is often characterized by feelings of mild depression, anxiety, unease, or fatigue, commonly attributed to hormonal changes, physical exhaustion, and the adjustment to the demands and responsibilities of caring for a newborn.
  • be your/somebody’s baby The idiom "be your/somebody's baby" refers to someone who is being treated with excessive care, attention, or tenderness, particularly as if they were a young child or someone's own child. It implies being well taken care of or looked after by someone.
  • baby bump The idiom "baby bump" refers to the rounded, protruding abdomen of a pregnant woman, particularly when it becomes noticeable and prominent. It is commonly used to describe the visible signs of pregnancy.
  • baby fat The idiom "baby fat" refers to the extra layer of fat that is typically found on infants and young children. However, it is also used colloquially to describe a plumpness or roundness in someone's appearance, usually relating to a person's face or body, that may persist into adolescence or adulthood.
  • baby-kisser The idiom "baby-kisser" refers to a politician or public figure who is depicted as insincere or overly affectionate in order to gain popularity or manipulate public opinion, often by kissing babies and engaging in similar demonstrative acts.
  • be somebody's baby The idiom "be somebody's baby" typically means to be overly dependent or reliant on someone else for emotional or financial support, similar to how a parent cares for their baby. It can imply a lack of independence or the need for constant attention and assistance from another person.
  • cry-baby The idiom "cry-baby" refers to a person who is prone to crying easily or excessively, especially in situations where it may be considered unnecessary or attention-seeking. It is often used to describe someone who is overly sensitive or emotionally fragile.
  • food baby The idiom "food baby" refers to the humorous notion of having a visibly distended abdomen or feeling bloated after eating a large or indulgent meal, resembling the appearance of being pregnant.
  • make (the) baby Jesus cry The idiom "make (the) baby Jesus cry" is an exaggerated expression used to convey extreme sadness, disappointment, or shock. It implies that something is so upsetting that even a young and innocent figure like Baby Jesus would be brought to tears.
  • the baby needs shoes The idiom "the baby needs shoes" refers to a situation where someone needs money or financial assistance. It implies that the person is experiencing a shortage of funds and is unable to afford even the most basic necessities, such as shoes for their child. This idiom is often used to emphasize the urgency or desperation of someone's financial need.
  • be (one's) baby The idiom "be (one's) baby" generally means to be someone's responsibility, priority, or project that they take great care of and are highly invested in. It implies a strong sense of personal attachment and protective behavior towards the person or thing referred to as "baby."
  • weak as a baby The idiom "weak as a baby" is used to describe someone or something that lacks strength, power, or resilience. It suggests a considerable lack of physical or mental ability, similar to the vulnerability and helplessness of a newborn baby.
  • be left holding the bag, at be left holding the baby The idiom "be left holding the bag" refers to a situation where someone is unfairly left responsible or burdened with a problem, task, or responsibility that they did not create or want. It implies being left to deal with the negative consequences or outcomes of a situation that others have escaped or avoided. Alternatively, "be left holding the baby" has a similar meaning, emphasizing the feeling of being left responsible for something unwanted or difficult. Both idioms suggest being stuck with an undesirable situation and having to take on the consequences alone.
  • like taking candy from a baby The idiom "like taking candy from a baby" means that something is extremely easy or effortless. It implies that the task is so simple that even a child could accomplish it without any resistance or difficulty.
  • leave (someone) holding the baby The idiom "leave (someone) holding the baby" means to leave someone with the entire responsibility or burden of a difficult or unpleasant situation, task, or problem, typically when the person responsible for it avoids or abandons it. It can be used metaphorically or literally, indicating leaving someone with a literal baby to take care of.
  • sleep like a baby The idiom "sleep like a baby" means to sleep very deeply and soundly, without any worries or disturbances, similar to how infants often sleep peacefully.
  • baby gangsta The idiom "baby gangsta" refers to a young or inexperienced person who adopts the demeanor, appearance, or actions associated with a gangster or criminal lifestyle. It implies that this individual, despite their youth or lack of actual criminal involvement, tries to project a tough, rebellious, or threatening image.
  • leave (one) holding the baby The idiom "leave (one) holding the baby" refers to the act of leaving someone in a difficult or burdensome situation or forcing them to take responsibility for something that was not originally theirs. It often implies leaving someone to deal with the consequences or the aftermath of a problem or mistake.
  • Keep the faith baby! "Keep the faith baby!" is an idiom used to encourage someone to maintain their belief, optimism, or trust in a particular person, idea, or situation. It is a motivational expression urging someone to remain steadfast and not give up during challenging times, with the understanding that their faith or confidence will eventually be rewarded.
  • throw the baby out with the bath water The idiom "throw the baby out with the bath water" means to discard something valuable or useful while trying to get rid of something undesirable or unnecessary. It signifies the act of mistakenly getting rid of all aspects of a situation or concept, including those that are advantageous or essential, because of a single negative aspect.
  • the baby blues The idiom "the baby blues" refers to a mild form of postpartum depression that some women experience after giving birth. It typically manifests as feelings of sadness, anxiety, and mood swings, which may be caused by hormonal changes and the adjustment to motherhood.
  • throw the baby out with the bathwater The idiom "throw the baby out with the bathwater" means mistakenly getting rid of something valuable or important while trying to eliminate something undesirable or unnecessary. It suggests an overreaction or a failure to differentiate between what is valuable and what is not, leading to the loss of something valuable along with the unwanted thing.
  • Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater The idiom "Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater" means not to discard or get rid of something valuable or important while trying to eliminate something undesirable. It warns against making hasty or careless decisions that might result in losing what is good or useful along with what is bad or undesirable.
  • be left holding the baby The idiom "be left holding the baby" means to be left with a responsibility or problem that nobody else wants or is willing to take on. It often refers to being burdened with the consequences or obligations of a situation, even though one may not have been directly involved in causing it.
  • floppy baby syndrome The idiom "floppy baby syndrome" refers to a medical condition known as "hypotonia," characterized by a lack of muscle tone or weakness in infants. This term is commonly used to describe infants who appear excessively limp or floppy, displaying reduced muscle strength and the inability to control their movements. It can be caused by various underlying neurological or muscular disorders.
  • leave somebody holding the baby The idiom "leave somebody holding the baby" refers to leaving someone else to deal with the responsibility or consequences of a situation, typically when it is inconvenient or undesirable for the person who caused it. It implies abandoning or burdening someone with a problem or task that was originally someone else's responsibility.
  • be someone's baby The idiom "be someone's baby" refers to someone being captivated or infatuated with another person, often to the point of being completely under their influence or control. It implies that the person being referred to is highly cherished or seen as irreplaceable by the one who considers them their "baby."
  • baby killer The phrase "baby killer" is not considered an idiom, but rather a derogatory term or insult used to label someone in a negative and often extreme way. It is typically hurled at individuals who are accused of causing harm or death to babies or infants. However, it is essential to note that using such a term is highly offensive and inappropriate.
  • throw out the baby with the bathwater The idiom "throw out the baby with the bathwater" means to discard something valuable or important along with something undesirable when trying to get rid of the undesirable aspect. It refers to an overreaction or excessive action that leads to losing valuable or useful elements while trying to eliminate the negative or unwanted ones.
  • throw out the baby with the bath water The idiom "throw out the baby with the bath water" means to mistakenly get rid of something valuable or important while trying to eliminate something undesirable. It implies that someone's action or decision eliminates both the bad and the good aspects together, usually due to lack of careful consideration or discernment.
  • cry like a baby The idiom "cry like a baby" means to cry uncontrollably, loudly, or in a manner similar to that of a young child. It implies intense emotional distress or a lack of emotional control.
  • bottle baby The idiom "bottle baby" typically refers to a young animal, particularly a baby animal that requires bottle-feeding, as opposed to being nursed by its mother. It is commonly used to describe a domesticated animal, such as a puppy or a kitten, that has been raised by humans from a very young age, often because it was orphaned or abandoned. The term implies the dependency of the animal on human care and nurturing.
  • be like taking candy from a baby The idiom "be like taking candy from a baby" means that something is extremely easy to do or obtain. It refers to a situation where a task or goal can be achieved effortlessly, similar to how a person can easily take candy from a baby without any resistance.
  • be as easy as taking candy from a baby, at be like taking candy from a baby The idiom "be as easy as taking candy from a baby" or "be like taking candy from a baby" means that a task or action is extremely simple or effortless. It implies that the action can be accomplished without any challenge or resistance, similar to how easily one can take candy from a small, defenseless child.
  • a baby boomer The idiom "a baby boomer" refers to a person who was born between the years 1946 and 1964, following the end of World War II. This term is commonly used to describe the generation of individuals who experienced a significant increase in birth rates during this period.
  • baby boomer The idiom "baby boomer" refers to a person born during the post-World War II period between 1946 and 1964, characterized by a significant increase in birth rates. It specifically denotes individuals who experienced the economic, social, and cultural growth during this period, and often refers to the generation as a whole.
  • Baby it’s cold outside The idiom "Baby it's cold outside" typically means that the weather is extremely cold. It is often used to describe very low temperatures or a frigid climate.
  • throw the baby out with the bath The idiom "throw the baby out with the bathwater" means to discard something valuable or essential while trying to get rid of something undesirable or unimportant. It refers to a careless action where someone unintentionally gets rid of the good along with the bad.
  • baby bear
  • baby up
  • sleep like a log/baby The idiom "sleep like a log/baby" means to sleep very deeply and soundly without being disturbed by noise, movement, or any other distractions.
  • soft as a baby's bottom The idiom "soft as a baby's bottom" is used to describe something that is extremely smooth, soft, or gentle, similar to the texture of a baby's skin.
  • (as) smooth as a baby's bottom The idiom "smooth as a baby's bottom" refers to something that is very smooth and free from any roughness, bumps, or imperfections. It is often used to describe a surface that feels exceptionally soft and flawless.
  • as smooth as silk/a baby's bottom The idiom "as smooth as silk/a baby's bottom" is used to describe something that is very smooth and soft, similar to the texture of silk or a newborn baby's skin.
  • wet the baby's head To celebrate the birth of a baby by having a drink or party.

Similar spelling words for BABY

Plural form of BABY is BABIES

Conjugate verb Baby

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have babied
you would have babied
he/she/it would have babied
we would have babied
they would have babied
I would have baby
you would have baby
he/she/it would have baby
we would have baby
they would have baby

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been babying
you would have been babying
he/she/it would have been babying
we would have been babying
they would have been babying

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would baby
you would baby
he/she/it would baby
we would baby
they would baby

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be babying
you would be babying
he/she/it would be babying
we would be babying
they would be babying

FUTURE

I will baby
you will baby
he/she/it will baby
we will baby
they will baby

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be babying
you will be babying
he/she/it will be babying
we will be babying
they will be babying

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have babied
you will have babied
he/she/it will have babied
we will have babied
they will have babied

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been babying
you will have been babying
he/she/it will have been babying
we will have been babying
they will have been babying

IMPERATIVE

you baby
we let´s baby

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to baby

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was babying
you were babying
he/she/it was babying
we were babying
they were babying

PAST PARTICIPLE

babied

PAST PERFECT

I had babied
you had babied
he/she/it had babied
we had babied
they had babied

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been babying
you had been babying
he/she/it had been babying
we had been babying
they had been babying

PRESENT

I baby
you baby
he/she/it babies
we baby
they baby

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am babying
you are babying
he/she/it is babying
we are babying
they are babying

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

babying

PRESENT PERFECT

I have babied
you have babied
he/she/it has babied
we have babied
they have babied

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been babying
you have been babying
he/she/it has been babying
we have been babying
they have been babying

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it baby

SIMPLE PAST

I babied
you babied
he/she/it babied
we babied
they babied

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