prepubescence

noun

pre·​pu·​bes·​cence ˌprē-pyü-ˈbe-sᵊn(t)s How to pronounce prepubescence (audio)
: the period of development immediately preceding puberty

Examples of prepubescence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web After a few clicks, some played more overtly at prepubescence, posing in children’s clothing. Amanda Taub, New York Times, 3 June 2019 Poignant interactions with other kids, your frustration with curricular requirements, the developmental travails of prepubescence. Aaron Gilbreath, Longreads, 28 Oct. 2017 Though more than a century of prepubescence might sound bad, there’s a bright side for the sea creature. Nicholas St. Fleur, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2016

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prepubescence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prepubescence was in 1908

Dictionary Entries Near prepubescence

Cite this Entry

“Prepubescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prepubescence. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

prepubescence

noun
pre·​pu·​bes·​cence -pyü-ˈbes-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce prepubescence (audio)
: the period of development immediately preceding puberty
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