noun
puberty
PYOO-buh-tee
noun
1
The stage of development, driven by hormones, during which a child's body matures into an adult body capable of reproduction.
"Puberty usually starts sometime between the ages of 9 and 14."
"Growth spurts and voice changes are common signs of puberty in boys."
How to Use Puberty
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe period when a child's body changes into an adult body, driven by hormones.
Common pairings
go through puberty
hit puberty
onset of puberty
Word Forms
puberties plural
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_____ usually starts sometime between the ages of 9 and 14.
Etymology
From Old French puberté, from Latin pubertas ("the age of maturity").