adolescence

noun

ad·​o·​les·​cence ˌa-də-ˈle-sᵊn(t)s 

1

: the period of life when a child develops into an adult : the period from puberty to maturity terminating legally at the age of majority (see majority sense 2a)

He struggled through his adolescence.

2

: the state or process of growing up

3

: a stage of development (as of a language or culture) prior to maturity

Synonyms

• minority
• nonage

Examples of adolescence in a Sentence

Their children are on the verge of adolescence.

He struggled through his adolescence.

Recent Examples on the Web

Growth hormone is responsible for cartilage and bone growth during adolescence. —Barbie Cervoni, Health, 2 Apr. 2024

The show aired over 200 episodes and a handful of specials during its nine-season run and was lauded for both its performances and compelling depiction of adolescence and family issues at the time. —Sadie Bell, Peoplemag, 21 Mar. 2024

Today, those who begin taking the drug in early adolescence, a recent study projected, can expect to survive to age 82.5—an essentially normal life span. —Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 7 Mar. 2024

By the time of Stella’s birth, Vanessa’s family had moved to San Diego, where the Hudgens sisters would spend most of their adolescence before moving to Los Angeles. —Mckinley Franklin, Peoplemag, 31 Mar. 2024

So families often seek to marry off daughters young, even in early adolescence. —Qadri Inzamam Saumya Khandelwal, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2024

Read: Why adolescence feels so intense The archetypal sitter lived just a few doors down. —Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 19 Mar. 2024

Some scientists hypothesize that feeling out of sync with peers during adolescence can contribute to feelings of loneliness and depression. —Alexa Lee, STAT, 7 Mar. 2024

The Cuisine of Grosz’s adolescence was inspired by the former monthly food magazine acquired by Conde Nast in 1984. —Detroit Free Press, 5 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin adolēscentia, adulēscentia, noun derivative of adolēscent-, adolēscens adolescent entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

adolescence

noun

ad·​o·​les·​cence ˌad-ᵊl-ˈes-ᵊn(t)s 

: the state or process of growing up

also : the period of life from puberty to maturity

adolescent

-ᵊnt

adjective or noun

Etymology

Middle English adolescence "adolescence," from early French adolescence (same meaning), from Latin adolescentia (same meaning), from adolescere "to grow up" — related to adult

Medical Definition

adolescence

noun

ad·​o·​les·​cence ˌad-ᵊl-ˈes-ᵊn(t)s 

1

: the state or process of growing up

2

: the period of life from puberty to maturity terminating legally at the age of majority