adolescence

[ ad-l-es-uhns ]

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.

adolescence

/ ˌædəˈlɛsəns /

noun

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

adolescence

/ ăd′l-ĕs′əns /

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of adolescence¹

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 )

Word History and Origins

Origin of adolescence¹

C15: via Old French from Latin adolēscentia, from adolēscere to grow up, from alēscere to grow, from alēre to feed, nourish

Example Sentences

For me, and for countless others who grew up as Directioners, it feels like the end of something which was an integral part of our adolescence.

From BBC

The hard experiences that you lived in your adolescence and when you were a young adult, that’s what made you what you are.

From Los Angeles Times

Partly this was due to the body dysmorphia I suffered from, beginning in adolescence, when I developed early.

From Los Angeles Times

But the unregulated nature of these platforms leverages and exacerbates some of the worst aspects of adolescence.

From Los Angeles Times

The pair didn't come out until their careers with Disney were long over — showcasing Lovato and Symoné were closeted most of their very public adolescence.

From Salon

Related Words

• boyhood
• teens