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” ( see adolescent) + -ia -ia ( def. )

Explanation

The period of time when you physically and emotionally transition from childhood to adulthood is called adolescence. Basically it's when you're old enough to want to be an adult, but young enough that no one takes you seriously! The noun adolescence comes from the Latin word adolescere, which means "to ripen" or "to grow up." So it makes sense that we use it to describe that unique age when kids start growing into something closer to grown-ups. Adolescence can also refer more specifically to puberty. When you were in your adolescence, it bothered you when your parents pried into your life. But now that your kids are adolescents, you do the same thing to them.

Example Sentences

Under Goad’s brand leadership, Claire’s is shifting its focus from little girls to tweens and young teens, concentrating on appealing to what she calls the messy middle between childhood and adolescence.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 16, 2026

That pattern raises the possibility that psychopathy may be connected to differences in brain development across childhood and adolescence.

From Science Daily • May 10, 2026

Slowly, love stretches into the past, shining light on a dark adolescence.

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2026

He moved around in his adolescence, spending time in Chicago and landing in Arizona after his parents’ divorce.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

Somewhere deep inside her she must have harbored resentment and anger for a father who was absent during her childhood and adolescence.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

• boyhood
• teens