grownup

[grohn-uhp]

noun

1. a mature, fully grown person; adult.

Word History and Origins

Origin of grownup¹

First recorded in 1805–15; noun use of verb phrase grow up

Example Sentences

Asked by the child why grownups always lie, Phillip answers that it’s because lying is easier than telling the truth.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

By the time Decca and tall, blond Boud approach “the great golden goal of every childhood—being a grownup,” they long for a different kind of life.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

I want to try one, but Mom said it’s a drink for grownups.

Read more on Literature

Films for grownups still exist, but they have a hard time making noise over the sound and fury of the stuff that ends up on eight screens at your local multiplex.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

And they think, well, what other lies are the grownups telling me?”

Read more on Salon