new moon

noun

1
: the moon's phase when it is in conjunction with the sun so that its dark side is toward the earth
also : the thin crescent moon seen shortly after sunset for a few days after the actual occurrence of the new moon phase
2
: the beginning of each Jewish month marked by a special liturgy

Examples of new moon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In addition, a solar eclipse can only happen during a new moon. Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 10 Mar. 2024 While new moons are always dark in appearance, March's lunar phase has a bright side! Skyler Caruso, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024 This phenomenon only occurs during a new moon phase when the alignment of the sun, moon and Earth is just right. The Arizona Republic, 8 Mar. 2024 From bird watching to dark night hikes under a new moon, there are plenty of opportunities for Hoosiers to explore the state's many natural areas. Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 7 Mar. 2024 This year, the Year of the Dragon begins on Feb. 10 and will be celebrated by millions worldwide on the night of the second new moon after the winter solstice. USA TODAY, 8 Feb. 2024 In China, Lunar New Year spans from the first new moon to the next full moon, or the fifth day of the lunar month, Zhang previously told USA TODAY. Olivia Munson, The Courier-Journal, 23 Feb. 2024 When a new moon occurs at one of these nodes, a solar eclipse occurs. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 9 Feb. 2024 The Aquarius new moon revitalizes feelings of self-worth. USA TODAY, 9 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'new moon.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of new moon was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near new moon

Cite this Entry

“New moon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/new%20moon. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

new moon

noun
: the moon's phase when its dark side is toward the earth
also : the thin curved outline of the moon seen shortly after sunset for a few days after the actual occurrence of the new moon phase

More from Merriam-Webster on new moon

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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