youthful

[yooth-fuhl]

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.

youthful

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of youthful¹

First recorded in 1555–65; youth + -ful

Synonym Study

See young.

Example Sentences

The volatility of the youthful trio of “Adolescent Salvation” seems to have no limits.

From Los Angeles Times

“Kobie’s obviously super smart, but we still have our youthful moments on the field. So to have that veteran presence... is very reassuring.”

From Los Angeles Times

So it is for the musician themselves, who all began as fans, and the ones highlighted here took it seriously, youthful indiscretions notwithstanding.

From Los Angeles Times

We would likely prefer the more secular appeal of Zohran Mamdani, another youthful candidate who is running to be mayor of New York City.

From Salon

Carroll became the first person to coach an NFL game at age 74, and youthful as he is, the game had to sap his spirit a bit.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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