adult

a-dult · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A person who is fully grown or has reached the age of legal majority.

  2. 2.

    A fully developed animal or plant.

  3. 3.

    Having reached full size and strength; mature.

  4. 4.

    Intended for or restricted to adults, often because of sexual content.

Forms

plural: adults

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    adult education — Educational programs for adults.
  • •
    adult content — Material intended only for mature audiences.
  • •
    consenting adults — Adults who agree to participate in something.

Related words

Antonyms: child, juvenile, minor
See also: adulthood, adults, grown-up, mature
Synonyms: grown-up

Etymology

From Latin adultus ("grown up"), past participle of adolere ("to grow up"), from ad- ("to") + alere ("to nourish").