sunday baby: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal
Quick answer
What does “sunday baby” mean?
A baby born on a Sunday.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A baby born on a Sunday.
Often refers to someone perceived as lucky or blessed, derived from the nursery rhyme 'Sunday's child is full of grace.'
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between British and American English.
Connotations
In both dialects, it connotes good fortune or a cheerful disposition, but may be more culturally recognized in British English due to folklore.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, typically appearing in informal speech or references to tradition.
Grammar
How to Use “sunday baby” in a Sentence
NP be a sunday babyhave a sunday baby in the familyVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable; rarely used in business contexts.
Academic
Might appear in folklore studies or cultural analyses.
Everyday
Used in informal conversations about birth dates, superstitions, or family anecdotes.
Technical
No technical usage.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sunday baby”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sunday baby”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sunday baby”
- Incorrect capitalization (e.g., 'Sunday Baby' in mid-sentence), or using it to refer to any baby born on a weekend rather than specifically Sunday.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is an informal term, not commonly found in formal dictionaries, but understood in context due to cultural references like nursery rhymes.
Yes, it can refer to anyone born on a Sunday, regardless of age, though it's more frequently used for children or in nostalgic talk.
Yes, from the same nursery rhyme, terms like 'Monday's child' or 'Tuesday's child' exist, but 'sunday baby' is often highlighted for its positive connotation.
Use it as a noun phrase in informal contexts, e.g., 'He's a sunday baby, so we celebrate with extra gusto.' Avoid capitalization unless starting a sentence.
A baby born on a Sunday.
Sunday baby is usually informal in register.
Sunday baby: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌn.deɪ ˈbeɪ.bi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌn.deɪ ˈbeɪ.bi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Sunday's child”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Sunday' as a 'sun day'—babies born on sunny days are often associated with happiness, so a sunday baby is a joyful child.
Conceptual Metaphor
A sunday baby is metaphorically a source of light and joy, akin to the sun shining on a relaxed day.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate meaning of 'sunday baby'?