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

• youth
• infancy
• minority

Examples of adolescence in a Sentence

Their children are on the verge of adolescence.

He struggled through his adolescence.

Recent Examples on the Web

The matchstick litanies doesn’t shy away from the ugly, painful memories of adolescence, but also revels in the soft details of her past. —Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025

For the latest installment of Billboard Book Club, the trio behind Podcrushed — a podcast launched in 2022 to explore the awkwardness and heartbreak that defines adolescence — will talk about their Crushmore book, which continues the journey to unpack the importance of middle school self-discovery. —Billboard Staff, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2025

Warren uses his music as an outlet, writing songs about falling in love with his wife, Kouvr Annon, moving far from home and the guilt that comes with it, enduring bullying and navigating his adolescence after his mother kicked him out at 17. —Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Oct. 2025

At the same time, adolescence is a period when young people work to develop independent identities. —Caitlin Cavanagh, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2025

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

Rhymes for adolescence

• acquiescence
• coalescence
• convalescence
• effervescence
• efflorescence
• evanescence
• incandescence
• inflorescence
• iridescence
• luminescence
• obsolescence
• opalescence

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