prepubescent

American  

[pree-pyoo-bes-uhnt] / ˌpri pjuˈbɛs ənt /

adjective

1. of or relating to the years immediately preceding puberty, prepubertal.

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noun

1. a prepubescent boy or girl.

prepubescent British  

/ ˌpriːpjuːˈbɛsənt /

noun

1. a person who has not yet reached puberty

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adjective

1. not yet having reached puberty

Other Word Forms

• prepubescence
  noun

Etymology

Origin of prepubescent

First recorded in 1900–05; pre- + pubescent

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

prepubescent

Optimal bone health starts in utero, but our prepubescent years are key to setting our skeleton up for later life.

From Salon ● May 1, 2024

For prepubescent children, “there is parental support, but no testing, no treatment, not anything,” officials said in a written statement.

From Seattle Times ● May 12, 2023

Since prepubescent girls grow faster than boys, they have a competitive advantage early on.

From New York Times ● May 29, 2022

The diminutive, prepubescent Timmy, proud owner-operator of a private detective agency in Portland, Ore., tools around the city on a Segway, draped in a distinctive red scarf, unconcerned with what others may think.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 7, 2020

Such public displays of affection can be embarrassing to a prepubescent girl like me who is not accustomed to being in the company of two married people who like each other.

From "The View From Saturday" by E.L. Konigsburg