preteen

[ pree-teen ]

noun

1. Also called pre·teen·ag·er [pree-, teen, -ey-jer], a boy or girl under the age of 13, especially one between the ages of 9 and 12.
2. preteens, the years immediately preceding one's thirteenth birthday.

adjective

1. designating or characteristic of a preteen or preteens:

   two preteen daughters.

preteen

/ priːˈtiːn /

noun

1. a boy or girl approaching his or her teens

Word History and Origins

Origin of preteen¹

First recorded in 1950–55; pre- + teen ¹

Example Sentences

After her mother’s remarriage and the arrival of another sibling, Edim became a virtual preteen parent, changing diapers, picking up her brothers from day care and school, feeding them and putting them to bed.

From Los Angeles Times

According to court documents that the filmmakers obtained when Kelly’s divorce papers were unsealed in 2019, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services investigated Kelly for allegedly molesting a preteen Jane Doe in 2009.

From Los Angeles Times

Bubble launched in 2020 as a Gen Z-oriented brand, with eye-catching packaging in vibrant colors and bold fonts, and quickly caught on with preteens as well.

From Los Angeles Times

Several of my friends who have preteen kids have told me they’re too scared to watch the series, which critics have invariably referred to as shocking and disturbing.

From Los Angeles Times

She added that her father had a habit of forgetting her birthday and that, when she was a preteen, he “sent me to fat camp.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• juvenile
• minor
• teenager
• tween
• youngster
• youth