adolescent

/ˌæd.əˈlɛs.ənt/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: adolescents

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Of, relating to, or at the age of adolescence; at the stage between being a child and an adult.

Adjective

Examples

Schools, unless discipline were doubly strong, / Detain their adolescent charge too long.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A person who is in adolescence; someone who has reached puberty but is not yet an adult.

Noun

Examples

It may be wartime, but Miss Adolescent wants her fun!

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “adolescent” mean?

Of, relating to, or at the age of adolescence; at the stage between being a child and an adult.

Is “adolescent” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.