pubertal

adjective

pu·​ber·​tal ˈpyü-bər-tᵊl How to pronounce pubertal (audio)
variants or puberal
: of or relating to puberty

Examples of pubertal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This association was partially mediated by differences in body weight throughout childhood, with childhood obesity linked to early pubertal onset. Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Aug. 2025 Trotman suggests having discussions surrounding body changes and the menstrual period early on in pubertal development, like when the child first notices breast changes. Anna Earl, Parents, 14 July 2025 After puberty’s onset, and after consulting mental health providers, doctors and parents, trans adolescents can be prescribed puberty blockers, which temporarily pause the body from producing the hormones that cause pubertal changes. Grace Abels, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Some of the negative physical and mental health outcomes that can occur as a result of the disorder include gastrointestinal issues, infertility, suicidal ideation, pubertal delay, anxiety, depression, anemia, skin issues, osteoporosis and heart conditions such as bradycardia. Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pubertal

Word History

Etymology

pubertal from puberty + -al entry 1; puberal borrowed from Late Latin pūberālis, from pūber, variant of Latin pūbēs "physically mature, adult" + Latin -ālis -al entry 1 — more at puberty

First Known Use

circa 1856, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pubertal was circa 1856

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Cite this Entry

“Pubertal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pubertal. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

pubertal

adjective
pu·​ber·​tal ˈpyü-bərt-ᵊl How to pronounce pubertal (audio)
: of, relating to, or occurring in puberty
pubertal development
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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