juvenile

ju-ve-nile · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Of, relating to, or characteristic of young people or children.

  2. 2.

    A young person, especially one below the legal age of adulthood.

  3. 3.

    Childish or immature in behavior.

  4. 4.

    (Biology) A young animal that has not yet reached adulthood.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    juvenile delinquent — A young person who has committed a crime
  • •
    juvenile court — A court that handles legal matters involving minors

Related words

Antonyms: adult, mature
See also: adolescent, young, youth
Synonyms: adolescent, immature, young, youthful

Etymology

From Latin juvenilis ("youthful"), from juvenis ("young person, youth").