A baby is a very young child who is just born or only a few months old. People often care for babies carefully because they are small and need help.
The baby is sleeping in the crib.
My sister has a baby girl.
Baby can mean a very young animal that is just born or very small. People use this meaning when talking about animals like puppies or kittens.
The puppy is a baby dog.
The baby bird falls from the nest.
People sometimes call their boyfriend, girlfriend, or loved one 'baby' to show love. It is a friendly, loving word used in relationships.
Come here, baby, I love you.
Baby, you look beautiful today.
People sometimes call something special they care a lot about their 'baby', like a project, object, or hobby. It means they protect and cherish it.
This car is his baby, he loves it.
Her garden is her baby and passion.
Baby can mean the youngest person in a family or group. This person is often treated specially because they are the youngest.
He is the baby of the family.
She is the baby in her group of friends.
In some informal contexts, 'baby' can refer to a style of music or dance from past decades. This use is rare and cultural.
They danced to the baby beat all night.
Baby music was popular at that time.
To baby someone means to treat them like a very young child or to behave in a very caring or protective way. It can also mean acting immaturely.
Don't baby me, I can do it myself.
He babied his little sister after school.
