you're only young once

phrase

—used to say that people should enjoy themselves while they are young

Browse Nearby Words

you're kidding (me)

you're telling me

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“You're only young once.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/you%27re%20only%20young%20once. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.

Copy Citation

Popular in Grammar & Usage

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

What does 'etcetera' mean?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

you're only young once

phrase

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

eureka

Popular in Grammar & Usage

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

What does 'etcetera' mean?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

The Opposite of Déjà Vu

The Words of the Week - Mar. 20

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?

Why do we say 'get out of Dodge'?

The Words of the Week - Mar. 13

Popular

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

The Opposite of Déjà Vu

The Words of the Week - Mar. 20

Games & Quizzes