youth

noun, often attributive

\ 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 Learn More about youth

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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.

Recent Examples on the Web

According to research from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, which combined data from 2016-17, Kentucky has the third-highest rate of youth obesity out of all 50 states: nearly one in five children from the ages of 10 to 17. — Benjamin Tobin, The Courier-Journal, "Starting now, Louisville restaurants may be fined for lacking healthy kids meal options," 10 June 2019 The team focused on homeless youth age 18-24, but say their findings could be applied to any age group. — Gary Warth, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Researchers find environment perpetuates stigma of homelessness," 9 June 2019 About 220 offenders have been convicted or took plea deals, and dozens of cases are pending including pastors, ministers, youth pastors, Sunday school teachers, deacons and church volunteers. — al.com, "Southern Baptists will address clergy sex abuse; victims plan rally," 9 June 2019 In addition, 1,953 turkeys were taken during the two-day youth hunt and 323 were killed in Learn to Hunt programs. — Paul A. Smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Spring turkey hunters register 38,556 birds, second lowest in 20 years," 8 June 2019 Looking back at 2019: With a roster mixed with experience and youth, guided the Rattlers to a strong showing throughout the season. — Terrence Thomas, ExpressNews.com, "Reagan, Burbank athletes headline All-Area tennis teams," 8 June 2019 After being wrongfully convicted, he was sentenced to five to 10 years in a youth correctional facility and ultimately served six years before being released. — Heather Finn, Good Housekeeping, "Where Are the Central Park Five Now? What to Know After Watching 'When They See Us'," 8 June 2019 The Premier League club will also have been looking to offload their youth product, whilst the latter would no doubt want to maximise his time on the pitch at a crucial stage in his development. — SI.com, "West Ham Youngster Reece Oxford Set to Complete Permanent Move to Augsburg," 8 June 2019 Two chorales from Bach’s St. Matthew Passion were sung admirably by the Foundation’s youth chorus. — Daniel Gelernter, National Review, "‘Bach to the Future’: Concert to Make One Feel Lucky to Live in New York," 8 June 2019

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.