premature

[ pree-muh-choor, -toor, -tyoor, pree-muh-chooror, especially British, prem-uh-, prem-uh- ]

adjective

1. occurring, coming, or done too soon:

   a premature announcement.

2. mature or ripe before the proper time.

noun

1. a premature infant.

premature

/ ˌprɛməˈtjʊə; ˈprɛməˌtjʊə /

adjective

1. occurring or existing before the normal or expected time
2. impulsive or hasty

   a premature judgment

3. (of an infant) weighing less than 2500 g (5 1 2 lbs) and usually born before the end of the full period of gestation

Derived Forms

• ˌpremaˈtureness, noun
• ˌpremaˈturely, adverb

Other Words From

• prema·turely adverb
• prema·turi·ty prema·tureness noun
• unpre·ma·ture adjective
• unpre·ma·turely adverb
• unpre·ma·tureness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of premature¹

From the Latin word praemātūrus, dating back to 1520–30. See pre-, mature

Word History and Origins

Origin of premature¹

C16: from Latin praemātūrus, very early, from prae in advance + mātūrus ripe

Example Sentences

A recent paper found that women experiencing premature menopause, particularly in the age group of 30–39 years, is also on the rise.

From BBC

Including her in a head-to-head matchup with other candidates felt premature, DiCamillo said, because she was still running for president when the poll was conducted.

From Los Angeles Times

The American Lung Assn. found that, if approved, the eight clean air rules would prevent 11,000 premature deaths over three decades and yield more than $100 billion in health benefits.

From Los Angeles Times

Eight pending California clean air rules were expected to prevent 11,000 premature deaths and provide $116 billion in health benefits over three decades.

From Los Angeles Times

Well, here’s what we’d tell those cocky, premature election-calling suckers now: Yeah, pretty much.

From Slate

Related Words

• immature
• incomplete
• untimely