baby
UK[ˈbeɪbi]US[ˈbeɪbi]
n
A very young child, especially one that cannot yet walk or talk
n
A very young animal
n
A person who is the youngest in a group or who behaves in a childish way
Etymology
The word 'baby' emerged in Middle English as a diminutive form of 'babe', which itself is of imitative origin. The core element 'bab-' is thought to mimic the babbling sounds made by an infant, a common pattern in the formation of words for very young children across languages. The affectionate suffix '-y' was added, solidifying its use as a term for a small child. Over time, its meaning extended metaphorically to refer to the youngest member of a group, a cherished project, or a person behaving in a naive or childish manner.
Analysis
This word is a simplex word of Middle English origin, derived from the earlier form 'babe'. The '-y' ending is a common diminutive or affectionate suffix in English, but in this case, it is considered an integral part of the modern root.
Examples
The baby started crying for her bottle.
They watched the baby birds learn to fly from their nest.
Don't be such a baby about getting a flu shot.