grow up
verb
grew up; grown up; growing up; grows up
1
a
: to grow toward or arrive at full stature or physical or mental maturity : to progress from childhood toward adulthood
growing up intellectually
grew up in the city
also
: to become an adult
She wants to be a doctor when she grows up.
b
: to stop thinking or behaving in a childish way
He should grow up and accept his responsibilities.
2
: to begin to exist and develop as time passes
A number of cities grew up along the river.
Examples of grow up in a Sentence
everyone has to grow up at some point in their lives
Recent Examples on the Web
Bauer, who grew up in Mendota Heights less than a mile from the cafe, sees her arrangement with the Book Lady’s Library as a win-win.
—
Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 20 Oct. 2025
Ukraine’s adolescents will soon grow up and be needed to defend their country’s fragile civic unity.
—Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 19 Oct. 2025
Kathya still tears up talking about Katy’s ordeal, the slow road to recovery and how their lives were shattered that evening, a day that had begun with joy, a celebration with her best friends, many of whom grew up on the waterways in Coral Gables and Coconut Grove.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
Axios reported some giant pumpkins can grow up to 50 pounds a day if conditions are favorable.
—Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grow up
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Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 20 Oct. 2025
Ukraine’s adolescents will soon grow up and be needed to defend their country’s fragile civic unity.
—Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 19 Oct. 2025
Kathya still tears up talking about Katy’s ordeal, the slow road to recovery and how their lives were shattered that evening, a day that had begun with joy, a celebration with her best friends, many of whom grew up on the waterways in Coral Gables and Coconut Grove.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
Axios reported some giant pumpkins can grow up to 50 pounds a day if conditions are favorable.
—Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grow up
Cite this Entry
“Grow up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grow%20up. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.
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