adolescence
noun
ad·o·les·cence
ˌa-də-ˈle-sᵊn(t)s 
1
: the period of life when a child develops into an adult : the period from puberty to maturity terminating legally at the age of majority (see majority sense 2a)
He struggled through his adolescence.
2
: the state or process of growing up
3
: a stage of development (as of a language or culture) prior to maturity
Examples of adolescence in a Sentence
Their children are on the verge of adolescence.
He struggled through his adolescence.
Recent Examples on the Web
Levinson has insisted that his show was simply trying to convey how rapidly the experience of adolescence was changing.
—
Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 15 Apr. 2025
Her adolescence was marked by sleepless nights and constant medical challenges, robbing her of the simple joys of being a teenager.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 11 Apr. 2025
That’s because the human brain is wired for independence and has been since adolescence.
—Jody Michael, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
After a troubled adolescence, details of which are hinted at throughout the play, Olivia has pulled her life together and is working toward a master’s degree in social work.
—Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for adolescence
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Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 15 Apr. 2025
Her adolescence was marked by sleepless nights and constant medical challenges, robbing her of the simple joys of being a teenager.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 11 Apr. 2025
That’s because the human brain is wired for independence and has been since adolescence.
—Jody Michael, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
After a troubled adolescence, details of which are hinted at throughout the play, Olivia has pulled her life together and is working toward a master’s degree in social work.
—Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for adolescence
Cite this Entry
“Adolescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adolescence. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
adolescence
noun
ad·o·les·cence
ˌad-ᵊl-ˈes-ᵊn(t)s
: the state or process of growing up
also
: the period of life from puberty to maturity
adolescent
adjective or noun
-ᵊnt
Etymology
Middle English adolescence "adolescence," from early French adolescence (same meaning), from Latin adolescentia (same meaning), from adolescere "to grow up" — related to adult
Medical Definition
adolescence
noun
ad·o·les·cence
ˌad-ᵊl-ˈes-ᵊn(t)s
1
: the state or process of growing up
2
: the period of life from puberty to maturity terminating legally at the age of majority
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