1
: not childish or immature : adult
2
: of, for, or characteristic of adults
insisted on wearing grown-up clothes
Examples of grown-up in a Sentence
Adjective
they have yet to find a grown-up way of handling their marital problems
Noun
once you turn 12, you get to eat with the grown-ups at Thanksgiving
Recent Examples on the Web
Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025
There’s something thrillingly grown-up about the conversations that Alex and Tess have.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025
While some corn mazes are perfect for all ages and include activities especially for younger kids, others are more grown-up and may prove too scary or challenging for little ones.
—Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Then, just add dress shoes for a sophisticated, grown-up ensemble.
—Kristina Rutkowski, Footwear News, 22 Sep. 2025
The jasmine and whipped coconut sneak in, giving it a soft floral creaminess that makes the caramel feel grown-up instead of candy-shop.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 12 Sep. 2025
Try incorporating these darker accents through furniture, textiles, or even trim details to create contrast and keep the palette feeling grounded and grown-up.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Sep. 2025
Cherry Stem was designed to feel more complex, sexier, woodier and all grown-up.
—Dahvi Shira, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Just like warm neutrals, rich chocolate brown makes pink feel quite grown-up.
—Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 9 Aug. 2025
Clark Collis, EW.com, 16 Feb. 2023
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Adjective
Idealsanxun Wool Plaid Mini Skirt Plaid skirts are prep-school core, but this one feels grown-up, with its structured cut and warm wool blend.
—Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025
There’s something thrillingly grown-up about the conversations that Alex and Tess have.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025
While some corn mazes are perfect for all ages and include activities especially for younger kids, others are more grown-up and may prove too scary or challenging for little ones.
—Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Then, just add dress shoes for a sophisticated, grown-up ensemble.
—Kristina Rutkowski, Footwear News, 22 Sep. 2025
The jasmine and whipped coconut sneak in, giving it a soft floral creaminess that makes the caramel feel grown-up instead of candy-shop.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 12 Sep. 2025
Try incorporating these darker accents through furniture, textiles, or even trim details to create contrast and keep the palette feeling grounded and grown-up.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Sep. 2025
Cherry Stem was designed to feel more complex, sexier, woodier and all grown-up.
—Dahvi Shira, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Just like warm neutrals, rich chocolate brown makes pink feel quite grown-up.
—Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 9 Aug. 2025
Noun
Reportedly shot for less than $100,000, this tale of Pooh and Piglet all grown-up and running amok recently opened to box office success in Mexico and is currently playing on cinema screens around America.
—Clark Collis, EW.com, 16 Feb. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Grown-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grown-up. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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