adult
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1adult
adjective \ə-ˈdəlt, ˈa-ˌdəlt\Definition of ADULT
1
: fully developed and mature : grown-up
2
: of, relating to, intended for, or befitting adults <an adult approach to a problem>
3
: dealing in or with explicitly sexual material <adult bookstores> <adult movies>
— adult·hood \ə-ˈdəlt-ˌhu̇d\ noun
— adult·ly \ə-ˈdəlt-lē, ˈa-ˌdəlt-\ adverb
— adult·ness \ə-ˈdəlt-nəs, ˈa-ˌdəlt-\ noun
See Examples of ADULT
- preparing children for adult life
- We need to approach this in an adult way.
Origin of ADULT
Latin adultus, past participle of adolescere to grow up, from ad- + -olescere (from alescere to grow) — more at old
First Known Use: 1531
Related to ADULT
- Antonyms
- adolescent, immature
2adult
nounDefinition of ADULT
: one that is adult; especially : a human being after an age (as 21) specified by law
— adult·like \ə-ˈdəlt-ˌlīk\ adjective
Examples of ADULT
- Her books appeal both to children and to adults.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult in the museum.
- Only adults can purchase alcohol.
- This film is for adults only. Minors are not admitted.
- People who are close friends as children aren't always friends as adults.
- studying interactions between young birds and adults
First Known Use of ADULT
1658
Related to ADULT
- Synonyms
- grown-up
Other Legal Terms
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All Words Near: adult
Previous Word in the Dictionary: Adullamite
All Words Near: adult
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