youthful

American  

[yooth-fuhl] / ˈyuθ fəl /

adjective

1. characterized by youth; young.

2. of, relating to, or befitting youth.

   youthful enthusiasm.

3. having the appearance, freshness, vigor, etc., of youth.

   She is 60 but her optimism has kept her youthful.

4. in an early period of existence; early in time.

5. Physical Geography. (of topographical features) having undergone erosion to a slight extent only.

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youthful British  

/ ˈjuːθfʊl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, possessing, or characteristic of youth

2. fresh, vigorous, or active

   he's surprisingly youthful for his age

3. in an early stage of development

   a youthful culture

4. Also: young.  (of a river, valley, or land surface) in the early stage of the cycle of erosion, characterized by steep slopes, lack of flood plains, and V-shaped valleys Compare mature old

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Related Words

See young.

Other Word Forms

• preyouthful adjective
• unyouthful adjective
• unyouthfully adverb
• unyouthfulness noun
• youthfully adverb
• youthfulness noun

Etymology

Origin of youthful

First recorded in 1555–65; youth + -ful

Example Sentences

New research suggests that one of the most important keys to a healthier and more youthful heart may be the vagus nerve.

From Science Daily

Given the bar's usually youthful clientele, questions were also being raised about the possible presence of minors at the time of the tragedy.

From Barron's

Through all my youthful explorations of the Kern River Canyon — my Yosemite without crowds — that golden-green meadow with its pools had been only an illusion for me.

From Los Angeles Times

But amid the various situations that arise out of the unlikely Cynthia-Stan relationship is a sense of retribution for youthful sins.

From The Wall Street Journal

At 27, Duop’s youthful face belied a life marked by war and poverty.

From Salon

Related Words

• adolescent
• boyish
• childish
• childlike
• enthusiastic
• girlish
• inexperienced
• underage
• young