grow up

verb

grew up; grown up; growing up; grows up

intransitive verb

1

a

: to grow toward or arrive at full stature or physical or mental maturity : to progress from childhood toward adulthood

growing up intellectually

grew up in the city

also : to become an adult

She wants to be a doctor when she grows up.

b

: to stop thinking or behaving in a childish way

He should grow up and accept his responsibilities.

2

: to begin to exist and develop as time passes

A number of cities grew up along the river.

Synonyms

• age
• develop
• grow
• mature
• progress
• ripen

Examples of grow up in a Sentence

everyone has to grow up at some point in their lives

Recent Examples on the Web

James London, chef and co-owner of Charleston’s Chubby Fish, grew up relishing in the region’s distinct culinary traditions. —Jennifer Hope Choi, Bon Appétit, 13 Dec. 2024

However, her sister Jinger Vuolo (née Duggar) and brother-in-law Jeremy Vuolo have distanced themselves from the ministry, as well as many other Duggar siblings who have seemingly strayed from IBLP teachings growing up. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024

Jules/Hazel is from Tampa and grew up in an abusive, low income, single parent household as a trans child. —Caroline Tell, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

Originally from Mexico City, Federman’s experience growing up in a multicultural household fostered her love of television series and films. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 12 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

grow up

verb

: to grow toward or reach full mental and physical growth