adolescence
noun
ad·o·les·cence
ˌa-də-ˈle-sᵊn(t)s 
1
: the period of life when a child develops into an adult : the period from puberty to maturity terminating legally at the age of majority (see majority sense 2a)
He struggled through his adolescence.
2
: the state or process of growing up
3
: a stage of development (as of a language or culture) prior to maturity
Examples of adolescence in a Sentence
Their children are on the verge of adolescence.
He struggled through his adolescence.
Recent Examples on the Web
On the cusp of adolescence, Vincent starts questioning his identity, friendships and family, while experiencing his first crushes.
—
Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 5 Feb. 2026
But as the first generation of women to be vaccinated against HPV in their adolescence grows up (hello), new research suggests that some people could go even longer between screenings.
—Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 3 Feb. 2026
My adolescence was an ordinary one, its joys and pains small.
—Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
The death of her father had a profound impact on her adolescence.
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 2 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for adolescence
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Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 5 Feb. 2026
But as the first generation of women to be vaccinated against HPV in their adolescence grows up (hello), new research suggests that some people could go even longer between screenings.
—Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 3 Feb. 2026
My adolescence was an ordinary one, its joys and pains small.
—Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
The death of her father had a profound impact on her adolescence.
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 2 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for adolescence
Cite this Entry
“Adolescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adolescence. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
adolescence
noun
ad·o·les·cence
ˌad-ᵊl-ˈes-ᵊn(t)s
: the state or process of growing up
also
: the period of life from puberty to maturity
adolescent
adjective or noun
-ᵊnt
Etymology
Middle English adolescence "adolescence," from early French adolescence (same meaning), from Latin adolescentia (same meaning), from adolescere "to grow up" — related to adult
Medical Definition
adolescence
noun
ad·o·les·cence
ˌad-ᵊl-ˈes-ᵊn(t)s
1
: the state or process of growing up
2
: the period of life from puberty to maturity terminating legally at the age of majority
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