youth

noun

ˈyüth 

plural youths ˈyüt͟hz  ˈyüths 

often attributive

1

a

: the time of life when one is young

especially : the period between childhood and maturity

b

: the early period of existence, growth, or development

2

a

: a young person

especially : a young male between adolescence and maturity

b

: young persons or creatures

—usually plural in construction

3

: the quality or state of being youthful : youthfulness

Synonyms of youth

• boy
• teenager
• kid
• adolescent

Examples of youth in a Sentence

She had a troubled youth.

He spent his youth in the Midwest.

He got into a lot of trouble in his youth.

a generation trying to recapture lost youth

when the industry was still in its youth

Four youths are suspected of starting the fire.

Recent Examples on the Web

State police are investigating an incident in a classroom at a youth correctional center where a juvenile was allegedly involved in an altercation with a teacher. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 20 Aug. 2026

The Trevor Project, which provides help and suicide-prevention resources for LGBTQ+ youth, can be reached at 1-866-488-7386. — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026

Yellow Polka-Dot Bikini You were deeply affected by a Yoplait Light commercial as a youth and consider this suit to be the physical manifestation of confidence. — Madeline Goetz, New Yorker, 20 Aug. 2026

Expect family fun, sports and a showcase of youth entrepreneurship. — Jennifer Day, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English youthe, from Old English geoguth; akin to Old English geong young — more at young

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing youth

• fountain of youth
• in the flower of one's youth
• misspent youth
• the youth
• youth club
• youth hostel
• youth rally

Rhymes for youth

• bluetooth
• forsooth
• sawtooth
• tolbooth
• uncouth
• untruth
• vermouth
• luth
• muth
• sleuth
• tooth

Kids Definition

youth

noun

ˈyüth 

plural youths ˈyüt͟hz  ˈyüths 

1

: the time of life when one is young

especially : the period between childhood and adulthood

2

a

: a young man

b

: young people

the youth of today

—usually used with a plural verb

3

: the quality or state of being young