legal age

noun

1. the age at which a person acquires full legal rights and responsibilities, such as the right to make contracts and deeds.

Word History and Origins

Origin of legal age¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

There is no legal age to stop driving in the UK and Mrs Duncan had renewed her driving licence earlier in the year.

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

The legal age of sale that people in England can buy cigarettes will be raised by one year, every year until it is eventually illegal for the whole population.

From Seattle Times

Under the new law, each year the legal age for cigarette sales - currently 18 - will increase by one year.

From BBC

It will effectively raise the legal age people can buy cigarettes by one year every year, with the aim of stopping today's young people from taking up the habit in the first place.

From BBC

Related Words

• voting age