grownup

[ grohn-uhp ]

noun

1. a mature, fully grown person; adult.

Word History and Origins

Origin of grownup¹

First recorded in 1805–15; noun use of verb phrase grow up

Example Sentences

Two years into the job, he was approached about creating a burger with a distinctly adult taste to shift the perception of McDonald’s from a place for families to a place for anyone, childless grownups included.

From Eater

These getaway spots offer perks for the grownups, like mountain bike trails, surf breaks, and rooftop bars, as well as the drive-in movie theaters, hot-springs-fed pools, and skate parks that will keep the kids happy.

From Outside Online

This is a strategy game for the whole family, easy enough for the middle school set, but challenging enough for the grownups with just a touch of divine intervention to keep everyone on their toes.

From Time

For years, the classy, grownup A Beautiful Mind–type movies have generally flowed into theaters beginning in early fall.

From Time

Robinhood’s awkward adolescence hasn’t kept it from raising very grownup sums.

From Fortune

I was happy Dad had let me be a grownup with him for a little while.

From The Daily Beast

Star Trek always seemed like a slightly more grownup, intellectual, and philosophical version of the genre.

From The Daily Beast

If you think it is wrong, then act like a grownup and wait until you can buy it legally.

From The Daily Beast

And with a fine dose of ribbon embroidery and a bit of sparkle, grunge was dressed up enough for a grownup.

From The Daily Beast

They were not ostentatious as much as they were happy—in a grownup, made-peace-with-it-all way.

From The Daily Beast

Lucy Jane Bull and her sisters were quite old enough to understand a good deal of grownup conversation when they overheard it.

From Project Gutenberg

Onward and still onward to a glorious end, left entirely to myself and entrusted with an important task like a grownup person!

From Project Gutenberg

Now, you and I, grownup, walk along the sidewalks of San Francisco and all we see under our calloused old feet is a sidewalk.

From Project Gutenberg

Rosa Stevenson's grownup sister is going away next month to be a missionary!

From Project Gutenberg

Father, mother, two grownup sons, and one or two daughters--evidently by a former marriage.

From Project Gutenberg