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 of adolescence

• 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

Their keen interest stems in part from the closeness of that prince’s name to that of the playwright’s only son, Hamnet, who tragically died before adolescence. —Nathan Smith, Time, 26 Nov. 2025

From the late 1950s through the late 1960s, the span of his adolescence, Eimen took on roles of varying sizes in series like The Twilight Zone, The Untouchables, Bachelor Father, Wagon Train, Petticoat Junction, The Lloyd Bridges Show, Going My Way, and General Electric Theater. —Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Nov. 2025

After the age of 9, the brain enters the adolescence phase, which lasts until the early 30’s. —Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 25 Nov. 2025

Will Eloise get caught holding the bag, and spend her adolescence in Nevada juvie? —Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 19 Nov. 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