young adult
adjective
: of, relating to, or being a category of fiction that is primarily intended for adolescent readers
young adult fiction/literature
We live in an era of blockbuster young adult book series: Harry Potter, Twilight, now the Hunger Games.—
Leah Wilson
Leah WilsonEarly in her four-year career as the young adult librarian of the Huckaby Public Library, Veronica Garde observed that most of the staff had a sliding scale of courtesy toward library users, teenagers being given the shortest shrift.—A. J. Anderson
—abbreviation YA
A. J. AndersonExamples of young adult in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The series is moored by the performance of Kim Min-ha, who is believable both as mischievous teen Hee-wan, and deeply depressed young adult Hee-wan.
—Kayti Burt, Time, 18 Dec. 2025
The grants supported initiatives targeted at reducing sudden infant deaths, improving teen and young adult health, preventing birth defects and identifying autism early, according to an academy spokesperson.
—Christian Orozco, NBC news, 18 Dec. 2025
In 2027, the line will expand further with the debut of an all-new line of middle grade and young adult graphic novels, all set in their own, accessible continuity outside of the core Oni publishing line.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 18 Dec. 2025
Some young adult men have taken to quarter-zip sweaters, resulting in a social media sensation as well as meet-ups and celebrations nationwide.
—Kate Perez, USA Today, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for young adult
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Kayti Burt, Time, 18 Dec. 2025
The grants supported initiatives targeted at reducing sudden infant deaths, improving teen and young adult health, preventing birth defects and identifying autism early, according to an academy spokesperson.
—Christian Orozco, NBC news, 18 Dec. 2025
In 2027, the line will expand further with the debut of an all-new line of middle grade and young adult graphic novels, all set in their own, accessible continuity outside of the core Oni publishing line.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 18 Dec. 2025
Some young adult men have taken to quarter-zip sweaters, resulting in a social media sensation as well as meet-ups and celebrations nationwide.
—Kate Perez, USA Today, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for young adult
Cite this Entry
“Young adult.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/young%20adult. Accessed 20 Dec. 2025.
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