new moon

noun

1. the moon either when in conjunction with the sun or soon after, being either invisible or visible only as a slender crescent.
2. the phase of the moon at this time.

new moon

noun

1. the moon when it appears as a narrow waxing crescent
2. the time at which this occurs
3. astronomy one of the four principal phases of the moon, occurring when it lies between the earth and the sun

new moon

/ no̅o̅ /

1. The phase of the Moon that occurs when it passes between Earth and the Sun, making it either invisible or visible only as a thin crescent at sunset.
2. See more at moonCompare full moon

Word History and Origins

Origin of new moon¹

before 1000; Middle English; Old English

Example Sentences

The flat earth has a new moon for the next six weeks.

From Salon

Mother Nature put on a particularly spectacular show last year when the peak of the Perseids meteor shower fell on a Saturday with a new moon.

From Los Angeles Times

To find out, the group systematically observed the worms' daily activities when there was a new moon.

From Science Daily

Ramadan lasts one lunar cycle, measured from new moon to new moon.

From Los Angeles Times

Eid is traditionally celebrated the day after a new moon is seen, either with the naked eye or a telescope.

From New York Times