adult

[ uh-duhlt, ad-uhlt ]

noun

1. a person who is fully grown or developed or of age.
2. a full-grown animal or plant.
3. a person who has attained the age of maturity as specified by law.

adjective

1. having attained full size and strength; grown up; mature:

   an adult person, animal, or plant.

2. of, relating to, or befitting adults.
3. intended for adults; not suitable for children:

   adult entertainment.

verb (used without object)

1. Informal. (of a young person) to do things and assume responsibilities that are associated with being an adult; act like an adult (usually used facetiously about minor accomplishments):

   I cook dinner for myself most nights—guess that means I'm adulting.

adult

/ ˈædʌlt; əˈdʌlt /

adjective

1. having reached maturity; fully developed
2. of or intended for mature people

   adult education

3. regarded as suitable only for adults, because of being pornographic

   adult films and magazines

noun

1. a person who has attained maturity; a grownup
2. a mature fully grown animal or plant
3. law a person who has attained the age of legal majority (18 years for most purposes) Compare infant

Derived Forms

• ˈadulthood, noun

Other Words From

• a·dult·hood noun
• a·dult·like adjective
• a·dult·ly adverb
• a·dult·ness noun
• non·a·dult adjective noun
• qua·si-a·dult adjective
• sub·a·dult adjective noun
• sub·a·dult·ness noun
• un·a·dult adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of adult¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin adultus “grown” (past participle of adolēre “to make grow”), equivalent to ad- ad- + ul- (identical with base al- in aliment ( def ) ) + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of adult¹

C16: from Latin adultus, from adolēscere to grow up, from alēscere to grow, from alēre to feed, nourish

Example Sentences

Rangel Vega, 22, was driving a Honda Civic with his childhood friend, 22-year-old Alejandro Luquin, after attending a young adult service at Iglesia En El Camino at 14800 Sherman Way.

From Los Angeles Times

“I had my whole adult life here,” Longoria said of Los Angeles, adding that “it just feels like this chapter in my life is done now”.

From BBC

The Local Government Association has welcomed the extra funding for councils but warned they still face significant pressures in areas like adult and children's social care and homelessness support.

From BBC

The film continued the story of Winona Ryder’s Lydia Deetz, now an adult, and returned Michael Keaton to his eponymous role of Beetlejuice.

From Los Angeles Times

The legislation aims to centralise adult social care currently delivered by local authorities into a single body accountable to the Scottish government.

From BBC