youth

noun, often attributive

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\ ˈyüth

plural youths\ ˈyüt͟hz

, ˈyüths

Definition of youth

1a : the time of life when one is young especially : the period between childhood and maturity

b : the early period of existence, growth, or development

2a : a young person especially : a young male between adolescence and maturity

b : young persons or creatures —usually plural in construction

3 : the quality or state of being youthful : youthfulness

Synonyms Example Sentences Phrases Containing youth Learn More About youth

Synonyms for youth

Synonyms

boy,
boychick
(or boychik),
boyo
[Irish],
callant
[chiefly Scottish],
lad,
laddie,
nipper,
shaveling,
shaver,
sonny,
stripling,
tad

Examples of youth in a Sentence

She had a troubled youth. He spent his youth in the Midwest. He got into a lot of trouble in his youth. a generation trying to recapture lost youth when the industry was still in its youth Four youths are suspected of starting the fire. See More

Recent Examples on the Web The former Secretary of State under President George W. Bush (who died in Oct. 2021) married the successful author and advocate for children and youth on Aug. 25, 1962. — Diane J. Cho, Peoplemag, 3 Aug. 2022 As the session came to a close Monday, Boston could celebrate other victories: securing $110 million for homeless shelters and millions more for summer jobs for at-risk youth and Boston Fire Department training, among other priorities. — Emma Platoff, BostonGlobe.com, 2 Aug. 2022 The Treasury Department said Tuesday that the government has frozen the visa of Alina Kabaeva, an Olympic gymnast in her youth and former member of the state Duma, and imposed other property restrictions. — Fatima Hussein, ajc, 2 Aug. 2022 Masters’ victory hands the Republican nomination to a first-time politician whose youth and aggressive brand of conservatism stand in contrast to the low-key centrism embodied by incumbent Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz. — Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 2 Aug. 2022 Swain plans to capitalize on Nakashima’s multicultural background, his youth and his community involvement. — Helene Elliott, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2022 UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing has received a $4 million, four-year Health Resources and Services Administration grant to expand health care services to foster care youth and their families. — Laura Garcia, San Antonio Express-News, 26 July 2022 The Trevor Project offers an interactive informational resource that’s for journalists and LGBTQ+ youth and their families. — Dawn Ennis, Forbes, 24 July 2022 There are recurring calls for youth and change in U.S. politics. — Michelle L. Price, Chron, 24 July 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'youth.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.