age of consent

noun

1. the age at which a person becomes legally competent to consent to marriage or sexual intercourse.

age of consent

noun

1. the age at which a person is considered legally competent to consent to sexual intercourse
2. the age at which a person can enter into a legally binding contract

Word History and Origins

Origin of age of consent¹

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

But however it pans out, lawmakers — elected Republicans — finding the courage to say that science is real, the age of consent matters and that you really should wash your hands after using the bathroom?

From Salon

Would you apply the same logic to the age of consent?!

From BBC

Entering the House of Lords, he made his first speech as a parliamentarian in favour of lowering the age of consent for gay relationships from 18 to 16.

From BBC

The actual number impacted, and the number of victims, is still to be established, but many are believed to be under 16, which is South Korea's age of consent.

From BBC

The health ministry said the legal age of consent in Denmark is 15, and a 15-year-old girl can make her own choices about her own body.

From Seattle Times