preteen

1 of 2

noun

pre·​teen ˈprē-ˈtēn How to pronounce preteen (audio)
-ˌtēn
: a boy or girl not yet 13 years old

preteen

2 of 2

adjective

1
: relating to or produced for children especially in the 9 to 12 year-old age group
preteen fashions
2
: being younger than 13

Examples of preteen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The black-and-white snap showed the preteen sitting next to a keyboard. Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025 In addition to holding a vigil on Saturday, neighbors are showing their love and support after the preteen's death by lighting candles for eleven consecutive days, per WROC-TV. Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
But then there are puzzlements: more unexplained goats, a freezing-cold field trip and a preteen office worker. Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2025 Dear Abby: After several months of weight loss, our preteen daughter was hospitalized after a trip to the ER. Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 28 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for preteen 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1938, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1929, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of preteen was in 1929

Dictionary Entries Near preteen

Cite this Entry

“Preteen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preteen. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

preteen

1 of 2 noun
pre·​teen ˈprē-ˈtēn How to pronounce preteen (audio)
: a boy or girl not yet 13 years old

preteen

2 of 2 adjective
1
: relating to or produced for children especially in the 9 to 12 year-old age group
preteen fashions
2
: being younger than 13 years old

More from Merriam-Webster on preteen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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