prepubescent

adjective

pre·​pu·​bes·​cent ˌprē-pyü-ˈbe-sᵊnt How to pronounce prepubescent (audio)
: of, relating to, being in, or occurring in the period of development immediately preceding puberty
prepubescent children
prepubescent growth
prepubescent noun

Examples of prepubescent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Increasing levels of estrogen and testosterone in prepubescent children may cause gum sensitivity, or puberty gingivitis. Sarah Bradley, Health, 15 Feb. 2024 Some of the images were children under the age of 13 and some were children under the age of five, the affidavit alleges, and other images are allegedly of boys and prepubescent girls. Kc Baker, Peoplemag, 25 Oct. 2023 Schiele was a highly important artist in turn-of-the-century Vienna, known for the emotional intensity and frank eroticism of his controversial portraits, including those of prepubescent girls. Steven Litt, cleveland, 15 Sep. 2023 The boys are prepubescent, but their exact age is unclear, as is their relationship to each other. Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 28 June 2023 Some of the images and videos depicted prepubescent minors and minors under the age of 12, including an infant being raped. Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2023 Among the images federal agents allegedly found in Meek’s possession was one of a naked prepubescent boy, a strap crossing his face, his mouth forced open and his hands bound to his feet. Emily Palmer, Peoplemag, 19 July 2023 The country will discourage the use of social transitions in prepubescent children, and health services will require a wider range of medical input beyond gender experts, such as specialists in pediatrics, autism, neurodisability and mental health, before treating children for gender dysphoria. Patrick Hauf, Fox News, 15 Jan. 2023 While children’s behaviors associated with an onset of an eating disorder may manifest differently than in someone older, the signs to look out for are similar but parents and pediatricians may not have had them on their radar, especially for prepubescent children. Alexa Mikhail, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prepubescent.' 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

1904, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prepubescent was in 1904

Dictionary Entries Near prepubescent

Cite this Entry

“Prepubescent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prepubescent. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

prepubescent

1 of 2 adjective
pre·​pu·​bes·​cent -ᵊnt How to pronounce prepubescent (audio)
: of, relating to, being in, or occurring in the period of development immediately preceding puberty
prepubescent children
prepubescent growth

prepubescent

2 of 2 noun
: a prepubescent child
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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