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.

Examples of grow up in a Sentence

everyone has to grow up at some point in their lives
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.
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 See all Example Sentences for grow up 

Word History

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of grow up was in 1535

Dictionary Entries Near grow up

Cite this Entry

“Grow up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grow%20up. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

grow up

verb
: to grow toward or reach full mental and physical growth

More from Merriam-Webster on grow up

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!