adolescence

American  

[ad-l-es-uhns] / ˌæd lˈɛs əns /

noun

1. the transitional period between puberty and adulthood in human development, extending mainly over the teen years and terminating legally when the age of majority is reached; youth.

2. the process or state of growing to maturity.

3. a period or stage of development, as of a society, preceding maturity.

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adolescence British  

/ ˌædəˈlɛsəns /

noun

1. the period in human development that occurs between the beginning of puberty and adulthood

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adolescence Scientific  

/ ăd′l-ĕs′əns /

1. The period of physical and psychological development from puberty to the onset of adulthood.

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Etymology

Origin of adolescence

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin adolēscentia, from adolēscent-, stem of adolēscēns “growing up” ( adolescent ) + -ia -ia ( def. )

Example Sentences

But the author’s sympathies extend well beyond the girls to the stalwart, fiercely protective aunt and grandmother who raise them, plus the many people who help shape their late adolescence and early adulthood.

From The Wall Street Journal

Bans feel decisive, but they avoid the harder truth: The digital environment isn’t temporary, and adolescence can’t be postponed until it becomes convenient for adults.

From The Wall Street Journal

Based on this study, it seems that during brain adolescence, the brain is balancing two key processes: segregation and integration.

From Science Daily

"Anxiety disorders in adolescence have risen sharply in recent years so it is important to identify lifestyle habits which can be changed to reduce the risk of this trend continuing," she concluded.

From Science Daily

Tillmans’ interest in stargazing goes back to his adolescence, and images of the moon and cosmos recur in his work.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• boyhood
• teens