Baby vs. Babes: What's the Difference?

Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 25, 2023
"Baby" generally refers to a very young human, typically under one year old, while "Babes" is the plural form, referring to multiple young humans or used colloquially to refer to attractive individuals.

Key Differences
"Baby" primarily denotes a very young human, usually under one year of age, who is at the early stages of development. It's a term often associated with innocence, dependency, and the early stages of human life. On the other hand, "Babes" serves as the plural form of "Baby", implying more than one infant. Additionally, "Babes" may also be used colloquially and informally to address or refer to young, attractive adults, particularly females.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
In everyday language, "Baby" is widely used to refer to the youngest member of a family or, metaphorically, to someone who is treated as such, implying a level of affection, endearment, or overprotection. "Babes", aside from representing multiple babies, often appears in informal or slang contexts to signify attractive individuals, usually women, and this usage might carry connotations of objectification or casual familiarity, depending on the context.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
"Baby" is used in various figurative and informal expressions to convey a sense of immaturity or dependency, such as “Don’t be such a baby” when someone is being overly sensitive. Meanwhile, "Babes" in the colloquial sense can often be found in popular media and casual conversations to describe attractive individuals, with its acceptability varying depending on the context and the relationship between the speakers.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
In terms of grammatical categorization, "Baby" is a singular noun, and "Babes" is its plural counterpart, reflecting more than one young child. The variation in meaning and usage between "Baby" and "Babes" illustrates the flexibility of language and how words can develop additional connotations over time.

Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Common Usage
Refers to a very young human.
Refers to multiple very young humans or attractive adults colloquially.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Connotations
Innocence, Dependency, Early development.
Attractiveness, Casual familiarity, Multiple infants.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Contexts
Familial, Parental, Informal expressions
Informal, Slang, Popular media

Harlon Moss
Sep 25, 2023
Baby and Babes Definitions
Baby
A very young human, typically under one year old.
The baby is learning to crawl.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
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Babes
Innocent or inexperienced people.
We’re all babes in the woods when it comes to love.

Harlon Moss
Sep 25, 2023
Baby
A term of endearment for a loved one.
Don’t worry, baby, everything will be okay.

Aimie Carlson
Sep 25, 2023
Babes
Plural form of baby, referring to multiple infants.
The nursery is full of sleeping babes.

Harlon Moss
Sep 25, 2023
Baby
A small or younger version of something.
They have a baby grand piano in their living room.

Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Babes
A colloquial term for attractive young women.
He tried to impress the babes at the beach.

Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
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Babes
A term of familiar or affectionate address to a friend.
Hey babes, are we still on for dinner tonight?

Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Babes
(treated as a singular noun; plural babes) Alternative form of babe used as a term of endearment to a loved one.
Are you all right, babes?

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 04, 2023
Baby
(Slang) An object of personal concern or interest
Keeping the boat in good repair is your baby.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 04, 2023
Babes
People who are naïve or lack judgment.
The babes believe every word he says.

Aimie Carlson
Sep 25, 2023
Baby
A very young human, particularly from conception or birth to a couple of years old or until walking is fully mastered.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 04, 2023
Baby
Any very young animal, especially a vertebrate; many species have specific names for their babies, such as kittens for the babies of cats, puppies for the babies of dogs, and chicks for the babies of birds. See :Category:Baby animals for more.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 04, 2023
Baby
A person who is immature, infantile or feeble.
Stand up for yourself – don't be such a baby!

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 04, 2023
Baby
A person who is new to or inexperienced in something.
I only qualified as an architect this summer, so I'm still a baby.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 04, 2023
Baby
The lastborn of a family; the youngest sibling, irrespective of age.
Adam is the baby of the family.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 04, 2023
Baby
A term of endearment used to refer to or address one's girlfriend, boyfriend or spouse.
Too busy thinking about my baby, and I ain't got time for nothing else.
Baby, don't cry.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 04, 2023
Baby
(informal) A form of address to a person considered to be attractive.
Hey baby, what are you doing later?

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 04, 2023
Baby
A concept or creation endeared by its creator.
This test program I've designed is my new baby.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 04, 2023
Baby
A pet project or responsibility.
You need to talk to John about that – it's his baby.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 04, 2023
Baby
An affectionate term for anything.
See my new car here? I can't wait to take this baby for a drive.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 04, 2023
Baby
(of vegetables, etc.) Picked when small and immature (as in baby corn, baby potatoes).

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 04, 2023
Baby
(in the comparative or superlative) Like or pertaining to a baby, in size or youth; small, young.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 04, 2023
Baby
(transitive) To tend (something) with care; to be overly attentive to (something), fuss over.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 04, 2023
Baby
A small image of an infant; a doll.
She clung about his neck, gave him ten kisses,Toyed with his locks, looked babies in his eyes.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 04, 2023
Baby
Pertaining to, or resembling, an infant; young or little; as, baby swans.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 04, 2023
Baby
A very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk;
Isn't she too young to have a baby?

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 04, 2023
Baby
The youngest member of a group (not necessarily young);
The baby of the family
The baby of the Supreme Court

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 04, 2023
Baby
An immature childish person;
He remained a child in practical matters as long as he lived
Stop being a baby!

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 04, 2023
Baby
Treat with excessive indulgence;
Grandparents often pamper the children
Let's not mollycoddle our students!

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 04, 2023
Baby
Someone who is acting immaturely or overly sensitive.
Stop being such a baby and face your responsibilities.

Aimie Carlson
Sep 25, 2023
FAQs
Is "Baby" always singular?
Yes, "Baby" is singular, referring to one young child.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Can "Baby" imply immaturity?
Yes, calling someone a "Baby" can imply they are acting immaturely or overly sensitive.

Janet White
Sep 25, 2023
Can "Baby" be used as a verb?
Yes, "to baby" means to treat someone with excessive care or kindness.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Is "Babes" a formal term?
"Babes" is formal when referring to multiple babies but informal and colloquial when referring to attractive individuals.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Can "Babes" refer to both genders?
Yes, "Babes" can refer to babies of both genders, but colloquially it often refers to young women.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.

Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
