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• coming of age
  coming of age

  noun

  the point, state, or age at which a person officially becomes an adult.
• coming-of-age
  coming-of-age

  adjective

  of, relating to, or designating the point or process of reaching adulthood.

coming of age

¹ American  

noun

1. the point, state, or age at which a person officially becomes an adult.

2. the process of becoming an adult.

3. the state or process of reaching maturity, acceptance, or readiness.

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coming-of-age ² American  

adjective

1. of, relating to, or designating the point or process of reaching adulthood.

2. of, relating to, or designating the point or process of reaching maturity, acceptance, or readiness.

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Other Word Forms

• coming-of-age
  adjective

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

coming of age coming-of-age

Despite facing notable challenges and coming of age in a culture infected by “big woe,” or an onslaught of despairing information, Moore believes there is still reason for young people to be optimistic.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 8, 2026

The coming of age story, Mountain, directed by Celyn Jones, was filmed in his home town of Holyhead, on Anglesey.

From BBC ● Aug. 7, 2026

She compared her own freewheeling youth to that of her Gen Z children, whose “third spaces” are largely online and who are coming of age under mass social-media surveillance—the ultimate buzzkill.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 31, 2026

It’s supposedly very traditional to wear a white dress, like young women coming of age.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 10, 2026

Our kids were coming of age during what felt like a unique time.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

As a director, his output included classic films like 1984's rock music mockumentary "This is Spinal Tap," fantasy gem "The Princess Bride" from 1987 and seminal coming-of-age movie "Stand By Me."

From Barron's ● Sep. 15, 2026

They originally starred in three seasons of the popular coming-of-age sitcom, which aired on E4 between 2008 and 2010.

From BBC ● Sep. 7, 2026

If you’re in the mood for a coming-of-age drama, the Anthony Bourdain biopic Tony is “is a perfect little movie,” according to Dana Stevens.

From Slate ● Sep. 4, 2026

A story of friendship and power in ancient Rome, a novel of country-club secrets, a summer-camp coming-of-age tale and more.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 31, 2026

It was because of an all-of-the-above class lesson that I was spared a coming-of-age experience in the ex-Confederacy that I’ve never had great cause to regret.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times

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