youth

noun

plural youths ˈyüt͟hz How to pronounce youth (audio) ˈyüths How to pronounce youth (audio)
often attributive
Synonyms of youthnext
1
a
: the time of life when one is young
especially : the period between childhood and maturity
b
: the early period of existence, growth, or development
2
a
: 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

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
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.
Plans include film screenings, lectures, tutoring, youth workshops and community events. Jane Horowitz, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026 Three teenagers have also been charged in the shooting, including a 15-year-old who, in July 2024, was ordered to serve a term at a state facility for youths after admitting to the charges of unlawful use of a weapon and knowingly discharging or firing a firearm at a person. Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 11 Mar. 2026 With four of Kobe Bryant’s former youth players on its squad, Sage Hill defeated Ontario Christian for its first CIF-SS championship as sports emerged from the pandemic and a grieving community stepped toward healing. Dan Albano, Oc Register, 11 Mar. 2026 The assurance of being yourself and being liked, fulfilling your purpose while climbing life’s rungs, has obvious appeal in youth, before compromises and obligations start to pile too high. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for youth

Word History

Etymology

Middle English youthe, from Old English geoguth; akin to Old English geong young — more at young

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of youth was before the 12th century

Cite this Entry

“Youth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/youth. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

youth

noun
plural youths ˈyüt͟hz How to pronounce youth (audio) ˈyüths How to pronounce youth (audio)
1
: the time of life when one is young
especially : the period between childhood and adulthood
2
a
: a young man
b
: young people
the youth of today
usually used with a plural verb
3
: the quality or state of being young

More from Merriam-Webster on youth

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