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coming-of-age

noun

com·​ing-of-age ˈkə-miŋ-əv-ˈāj How to pronounce coming-of-age (audio)
Synonyms of coming-of-agenext
: the attainment of prominence, respectability, recognition, or maturity

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of coming-of-age was in 1662

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Coming-of-age.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coming-of-age. Accessed 10 Dec. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on coming-of-age

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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