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
Early 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

Examples of young adult in a Sentence

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.
Probst is an American television presenter and producer and young adult fiction writer who has been hosting Survivor since its inception in 2000. Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 25 Feb. 2026 Panel discussions will be held on the local state of mental health; children’s mental health; youth and young adult mental health; domestic violence; and the warning signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s, according to a news release. Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026 As a young adult, Brooks cycled through a dozen odd jobs to make ends meet. Julia Terruso, Time, 23 Feb. 2026 His vision was rooted in hope, healing and the belief that young adult cancer fighters deserve moments of freedom, strength and joy, said Kelly Schwartz, the center’s operations manager. Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for young adult

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of young adult was in 1942

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Cite this Entry

“Young adult.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/young%20adult. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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