babyhood

nounperiod of infancy

Synonyms for babyhood

noun period of infancy

Antonyms for babyhood

cradle

noun. early childhood; origins

Word Origin & History

late 14c., babi, diminutive of baban (see babe + -y (3)). Meaning "childish adult person" is from c.1600. Meaning "youngest of a group" is from 1897. As a term of endearment for one's lover it is attested perhaps as early as 1839, certainly by 1901; its popularity perhaps boosted by baby vamp "a popular girl," student slang from c.1922. As an adjective, by 1750.

Baby food is from 1833. Baby blues for "blue eyes" recorded by 1892 (the phrase also was used for "postpartum depression" 1950s-60s). To empty the baby out with the bath (water) is first recorded 1909 in G.B. Shaw (cf. German das Kind mit dem Bade ausschütten). Baby's breath (noted for sweet smell, which also was supposed to attract cats) as a type of flower is from 1897. French bébé (19c.) is from English.

Example Sentences for babyhood

We do not look back to the antiquity of the world, but to the babyhood of the world.

She talked and thought of him as in his babyhood, and left him her blessing at the last.

She had heard the subject discussed and argued from her babyhood days.

She had been accustomed to it from her babyhood, and was as fearless as any of her brothers.

This region is new; so new that it may be said to be still in its babyhood.

It is the knowledge of these little things that count in babyhood.

He also receives a new name, the name of his babyhood being dropped.

I hope you will always allow her to keep that little remnant of babyhood.

And this father of hers—that she had revered from babyhood—was a forger!

Good-night, friend of my babyhood, my girlhood, my womanhood.

babyhood

Synonyms for babyhood

Antonyms for babyhood

More words related to babyhood

childhood

cradle