# neonatal

/ˌnioʊˈneɪtəɫ/ (US) · /nˈiːəʊnˌeɪtəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/neonatal
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

relating to a baby during the first few weeks after it is born. Doctors use this word to talk about the care and health of very young infants.

For teachers: relating to the first twenty-eight days of a human infant's life. Often used in medical contexts to specify care or conditions occurring immediately after birth.

## Examples

- The hospital has a specialized neonatal unit.
- Advances in neonatal medicine have significantly improved the survival rates for babies born several weeks premature.
- The research team monitored neonatal development over the first month to identify early physiological markers that might predict long-term health outcomes in high-risk infants.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun, such as 'care', 'unit', or 'nurse'.

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