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legal age
noun
: the age at which a person enters into full adult legal rights and responsibilities (as of making contracts or wills)
Examples of legal age in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
All sportsbook websites that would operate in North Carolina would require participants to be of legal age.
—Brian Murphy, Charlotte Observer, 29 Feb. 2024
Boating education is mandatory for anyone of legal age to operate a motorboat or sailboat who was born after 1985.
—The Sentinel-Record, arkansasonline.com, 8 Feb. 2024
But on Tuesday the court ruled that the period between Aug. 9, 2008, and March 19, 2009, when Martinelli was of legal age and the victim was a minor, fell within the statute of limitations.
—Stefano Pitrelli, Washington Post, 23 Jan. 2024
The final goal would be achieved by raising the legal age for buying tobacco products every year starting in 2027.
—Siladitya Ray, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024
The legal age of consent in the Dominican Republic is 18.
—Kristie Ackert, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Jan. 2024
The legal age for gambling in the United States is 18 or 21, depending on the state.
—Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 5 Dec. 2023
House Bill 2006 would increase from 18 to 21 the legal age to purchase or possess a firearm.
—Ben Botkin, oregonlive, 20 Mar. 2023
Lawmakers raised the legal age for buying any rifle from 18 to 21 and made the sale subject to the same three-day waiting period as handguns already were.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'legal age.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1658, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near legal age
Cite this Entry
“Legal age.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legal%20age. Accessed 13 May. 2024.
Medical Definition
legal age
noun
le·gal age
ˈlē-gəl-
: the age at which a person enters into full adult legal rights and responsibilities (as of making contracts or wills)
Legal Definition
legal age
noun
: an age at which a person becomes entitled under the law to engage in a particular activity or becomes responsible for particular acts
the legal age for drinking in this state
broadly
: age of majority compare age of consent, emancipate
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