babe

[ beyb ]

noun

1. a baby or child.

   Synonyms: nursling, tot, infant, toddler

2. an innocent or inexperienced person.
3. Usually Babe. Southern U.S. (used, often before the surname, as a familiar name for a boy or man, especially the youngest of a family.)
4. Slang.
   1. Sometimes Disparaging and Offensive. a girl or woman, especially an attractive one.
   2. an attractive young man.
   3. Sometimes Babe. an affectionate or familiar term of address (sometimes offensive when used to strangers, casual acquaintances, subordinates, etc., especially by a male to a female).

babe

/ beɪb /

noun

1. a baby
2. informal.
   a naive, gullible, or unsuspecting person (often in the phrase a babe in arms )
3. informal.
   a young woman or man perceived as being sexually attractive

Word History and Origins

Origin of babe¹

First recorded in 1150–1200; 1915–20 babe fordef 4; Middle English; early Middle English baban, probably nursery word in origin

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. babe in the woods, an innocent, unsuspecting person, especially one likely to be victimized by others: Also babe in the wood.

   Some highly informed people are mere babes in the woods where the stock market is concerned.

Example Sentences

“She was using words like ‘hun’ and ‘babe’ and saying ‘someone’s trying to steal my funds,’” Pidgeon said.

From Los Angeles Times

The young man, who requested anonymity, shared with Y Byd ar Bedwar - S4C’s current affairs programme - a series of messages where Edwards referred to him as “babe” and “big boy” and signed off with kisses.

From BBC

“But I got people telling me my career isn’t as good as someone else’s because of the complexion of my skin? No, babe, I won’t let you project that onto me.”

From Los Angeles Times

To any man who made a pop album in 2024: Good luck, babe.

From Los Angeles Times

And I’m like, “Not you this time, babe.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bathing beauty
• beauty queen
• cover girl
• cutie
• cutie-pie
• doll
• dollface
• fox
• glamor girl
• good-looking woman
• pin-up
• tomato