noun
adolescence
a-duh-LEH-suhns
noun
1
The stage of life between childhood and adulthood, roughly spanning the teenage years.
"Adolescence brings rapid physical and emotional changes."
"Many friendships formed in adolescence last a lifetime."
How to Use Adolescence
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe teenage years, when a child is turning into an adult.
Common pairings
during adolescence
early adolescence
the challenges of adolescence
Word Forms
adolescences plural
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Etymology
From Latin adolescentia, from adolescens ("growing up") — the same root as adolescent and adult.