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. )

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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

See Examples For:

adolescence

Uday warns of "a lifelong deficit" in women - in adolescence, then pregnancy, and then the newborn is affected.

From BBC ● Oct. 30, 2026

Lee told AFP that Prue's journey resonated for her, and recalled some of her own challenges in adolescence.

From Barron's ● Oct. 25, 2026

Children are almost always treated with special deference in American law, because lawmakers understand and respect the significance of adolescence and the necessity of parental guidance.

From Slate ● Oct. 8, 2026

The researchers are continuing to follow the children as they enter adolescence, a period when the risk of developing depression increases for many young people.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 29, 2026

Jean Louise had lost touch with nearly everyone she grew up with and did not wish particularly to rediscover the companions of her adolescence.

From "Go Set a Watchman: A Novel" by Harper Lee

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Related Words

• boyhood
• teens

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