noun
Common
babe
bayb
Babe (noun) means a baby or very young child. Example: “The babe slept peacefully in the wooden cradle by the window.”
noun
1
A baby or very young child.
"The babe slept peacefully in the wooden cradle by the window."
"In the old carol, the little babe lay in a manger."
"She cradled the babe gently in her arms."
"These events came to pass when he was but a babe."
2
An informal, often affectionate term for a romantic partner or attractive person.
"Do you want anything from the shop, babe?"
"She called her boyfriend babe and gave him a quick hug."
"He texted "see you soon, babe" before hanging up."
How to use babe
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a very young child, or a casual pet name for a partner.
When to use it
The romantic sense is informal and used mainly in speech or casual writing.
Common pairings
newborn babe
hey, babe
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Word forms
- Plural
- babes
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The _____ slept peacefully in the wooden cradle by the window.
Etymology
From Middle English babe, likely related to Old English roots for "child", ultimately imitating baby-talk sounds like "ba" (compare "baby", "papa", "mama").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for babe
See all rhymes for babe →Frequently asked questions
What does “babe” mean?
The word “babe” means a baby or very young child. In plain terms, either a very young child, or a casual pet name for a partner.
How do you pronounce “babe”?
“Babe” is pronounced bayb (/beɪb/ in IPA).
How do you use “babe” in a sentence?
Here is “babe” used in a sentence: “She cradled the babe gently in her arms.”
What is another word for “babe”?
Words with a similar meaning to “babe” include doll, fox, See: Thesaurus:beautiful woman and beautiful person.
What part of speech is “babe”?
“Babe” is a noun.
Where does the word “babe” come from?
The word “babe” comes from Old English. From Middle English babe, likely related to Old English roots for "child", ultimately imitating baby-talk sounds like "ba" (compare "baby", "papa", "mama").
Is “babe” a common word?
“Babe” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “babe” have?
“Babe” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a baby or very young child.
What is the difference between "babe" and "baby" as terms of affection?
Both are informal endearments for a romantic partner and are largely interchangeable. "Babe" tends to feel slightly more casual and modern, while "baby" is the older, more traditional form.
Is it appropriate to call someone "babe"?
Directed at a partner or close friend, "babe" usually reads as affectionate, but using it toward a stranger or in a professional setting can seem overly familiar or dismissive. The relationship and context decide how it lands.
Is "babe" formal or informal?
"Babe" is informal in every sense. Whether it means a baby, a partner, or an attractive person, it belongs to casual speech and writing rather than formal contexts.
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