juvenile

adjective

ju·ve·nile | \ ˈjü-və-ˌnī(-ə)l

, -nᵊl

Definition of juvenile

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : physiologically immature or undeveloped : young juvenile birds

2a : of, relating to, characteristic of, or suitable for children or young people juvenile fiction

b : of or relating to young people who have committed or are accused of committing a criminal offense the juvenile justice system juvenile crime

3 : reflecting psychological or intellectual immaturity : childish juvenile behavior juvenile pranks told him he was being juvenile

4 : derived from sources within the earth and coming to the surface for the first time —used especially of water and gas

juvenile

noun

Definition of juvenile (Entry 2 of 2)

1a : a young person : youth a gang of juveniles

b : a book for children or young people

2 : a young individual resembling an adult of its kind except in size and reproductive activity: such as

a : a fledged bird not yet in adult plumage

b : a 2-year-old racehorse

3 : an actor or actress who plays youthful parts

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about juvenile

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Synonyms & Antonyms for juvenile

Synonyms: Adjective

adolescent, immature, young, youngish, youthful

Synonyms: Noun

bairn [chiefly Scottish], bambino, bud, chap [Southern & Midland], chick, child, cub, kid, kiddie (also kiddy), kiddo, moppet, sprat, sprout, squirt, whelp, youngling, youngster, youth

Antonyms: Adjective

adult, grown-up, mature, matured

Antonyms: Noun

adult, grown-up

Examples of juvenile in a Sentence

Adjective

She criticized his juvenile behavior at the party. a juvenile alligator just hatched from its egg

Noun

She works to keep juveniles away from drugs. a medical study that followed juveniles through adolescence and into adulthood

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Morris criticized the state's restitution law for removing any discretion from a judge, particularly in a juvenile case. — Maxine Bernstein, OregonLive.com, "Judge to issue written ruling on restitution for teen who ignited Eagle Creek fire," 17 May 2018 An increase in juvenile cases tracks with what Orleans Chief Juvenile Court Judge Candice Bates-Anderson told the New Orleans City Council about trafficking cases in October. — Kevin Litten, NOLA.com, "Human trafficking in Louisiana continues to increase, state numbers show," 5 Mar. 2018 Black children represent about a third of juvenile arrests and more than 40% of juvenile detentions nationwide. — Tyrone Beason, The Seattle Times, "As King County looks to end youth detention, Choose 180 offers a path of ‘restorative justice’," 12 Apr. 2019 As a teenager, Flores was on juvenile parole, involved in gangs, and dropped out of high school. — Katie Halper, Teen Vogue, "Lucy Flores: Biden's Unwanted Touching Should be Part of #MeToo Conversations," 6 Apr. 2019 Further investigation led police to two juvenile suspects. — Emily Sweeney, BostonGlobe.com, "In Wareham, a case of SUV-dipping," 6 July 2018 Buckingham said there are certain circumstances under Indiana law in which charges against juvenile suspects can be pursued in adult court. — Justin L. Mack, Indianapolis Star, "Bosma says legislators are reviewing state law after Noblesville shooting," 6 June 2018 Fort Worth Police spokesman Bradley Perez said the juvenile suspect was arrested Wednesday. — CBS News, "Report: 14-year-old stabbed, killed after fight that started over sleepover," 1 June 2018 Officials have said that seven of the juvenile suspects were from Waukegan and one was from Beach Park. — Jim Newton, Lake County News-Sun, "Man charged in Great America attack is a fugitive again for second time in less than a month," 10 May 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

However, this particular specimen might have been a juvenile. — John Wenz, Popular Mechanics, "Meet the New Titanosaur, a Giant That Fills in Dinosaur Fossil Gaps," 13 Feb. 2019 All four juveniles were charged with interfering with a police officer, third-degree criminal trespass, third-degree burglary and third-degree conspiracy to commit burglary, police said. — Mikaela Porter, courant.com, "West Hartford Police: Four Juveniles Arrested After Car Burglaries Near Concord Street," 29 June 2018 The juvenile has been lodged in the Campbell County Juvenile Detention Facility located in Newport. — Sarah Brookbank, Cincinnati.com, "Body of missing Covington woman found near Rabbit Hash, 2 arrested," 15 June 2018 Four juveniles were taken into custody after attempting to carjack a woman at 7:05 a.m. June 4 in the parking lot of St. Bernard's Parish, 7476 Harwood Ave., according to a Wauwatosa Police report. — Karen Pilarski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Four juveniles taken into custody after attempted carjacking in Tosa," 12 June 2018 Both juveniles were apprehended a few minutes later, when the victim flagged down an NOPD officer. — Marie Simoneaux, NOLA.com, "2 juveniles accused of trying to rob man of his bike in St. Roch: NOPD," 31 May 2018 Two other former players, both 16-year-old students when they were arrested last year, were charged as juveniles. — Uriel J. Garcia, azcentral, "Sept. 10 trial set in sex-abuse case against ex-Hamilton football player," 21 May 2018 The juvenile was later released, but the others were held for further investigation, Runge said. — Pauline Repard, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Gunshots heard from Highwood Park in La Mesa," 5 May 2018 Orland Park police said a juvenile was charged with aggravated arson after allegedly starting a fire Sunday inside the Old Navy store at Orland Park Place shopping center. — Mike Nolan, Daily Southtown, "Juvenile charged with setting fire at Old Navy in Orland Park," 30 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'juvenile.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.