adolescence

American  

[ad-l-es-uhns] / ˌæd lˈɛs əns /

noun

1. the transitional period between puberty and adulthood in human development, extending mainly over the teen years and terminating legally when the age of majority is reached; youth.

2. the process or state of growing to maturity.

3. a period or stage of development, as of a society, preceding maturity.

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adolescence British  

/ ˌædəˈlɛsəns /

noun

1. the period in human development that occurs between the beginning of puberty and adulthood

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adolescence Scientific  

/ ăd′l-ĕs′əns /

1. The period of physical and psychological development from puberty to the onset of adulthood.

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Etymology

Origin of adolescence

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin adolēscentia, from adolēscent-, stem of adolēscēns “growing up” ( adolescent ) + -ia -ia ( def. )

Example Sentences

He moved around in his adolescence, spending time in Chicago and landing in Arizona after his parents’ divorce.

From Los Angeles Times

The authors emphasize that adolescence is a key stage for brain development and emotional health.

From Science Daily

I relent that I’m both a lapsed fashion student and someone who spent their adolescence and early teens marveling at Jacobs’ designs and Coppola’s films.

From Salon

Henry David Thoreau’s timing was one of his gifts: Living and writing during his nation’s adolescence, he was something of an adolescent himself.

From The Wall Street Journal

According to Emily Willoughby, a researcher in behavioural genetics at the University of Minnesota, childhood and adolescence provide a genuine window of opportunity for shaping attitudes.

From BBC

Related Words

• boyhood
• teens