tween

1 of 2

preposition

ˈtwēn How to pronounce tween (audio)
Synonyms of tween
: between

tween

2 of 2

noun

: preteen

Examples of tween in a Sentence

Noun a movie that appeals to tweens
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Claire’s is trying to recapture its glory as the go-to destination for both tween girls and for piercing. — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026 The content will be crafted for kids, tweens, teens and families. — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026 That includes a limited-time collection of teen and tween clothes, school supplies and accessories in pastel colors and floral prints from the women's lifestyle brand LoveShack Fancy. — CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026 The company said no one in the market has owned the tween and teen market in a way that speaks to both kids and their parents. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tween

Word History

Etymology

Preposition

Middle English twene, short for betwene

Noun

blend of between and teen entry 1

First Known Use

Preposition

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tween was in the 12th century

Rhymes for tween

See All Rhymes for tween

Browse Nearby Words

tweel
tween
tween-deck
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tween.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tween. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

tween

2 of 2 noun
: preteen entry 1

Medical Definition

Tween

trademark
ˈtwēn How to pronounce Tween (audio)
—used for any of several preparations of polysorbates

More from Merriam-Webster on tween

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for tween

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