juvenilia

[ joo-vuh-nil-ee-uh, -nil-yuh ]

plural noun

1. works, especially writings, produced in one's youth:

   His juvenilia were more successful than his mature writings.

2. literary or artistic productions suitable or designed for the young:

   publishers of juvenilia.

juvenilia

/ ˌdʒuːvɪˈnɪlɪə /

plural noun

1. works of art, literature, or music produced in youth or adolescence, before the artist, author, or composer has formed a mature style

juvenilia

1. Works produced in childhood or youth, particularly written or artistic works.

Word History and Origins

Origin of juvenilia¹

1615–25; < Latin, noun use of neuter plural of juvenīlis juvenile

Word History and Origins

Origin of juvenilia¹

C17: from Latin, literally: youthful things; see juvenile

Example Sentences

Pending the discovery of some unpublished juvenilia or yet another iteration of the penultimate “Road Show,” this is the last Sondheim musical we will ever have.

From New York Times

Like “A Bit of Previous,” last summers’ release, there is a growing presence of a more adult-aged character all throughout, taking precedence over the usual first-person journeys in juvenilia.

From Washington Post

“He does not like his juvenilia recovered and made public so I don’t think he would like this out there,” he said.

From Seattle Times

Elements of his signature style already figure in this piece of juvenilia, including such epigrams as “Marriage nowadays is nothing but a temporary refuge for those who are uncomfortable at home.”

From New York Times

The text is a mammoth, unwieldy beast, as playwrights’ juvenilia often is.

From New York Times