preadult

adjective

pre·​adult ˌprē-ə-ˈdəlt How to pronounce preadult (audio)
-ˈa-ˌdəlt
: preceding adulthood
preadult years/experiences
: not yet having reached adulthood or the adult stage of development
preadult students
preadult larvae
preadult noun
or pre-adult
plural preadults or pre-adults
… referring to adults behaving and living as if they are preadults. David Pitt
preadulthood noun
or pre-adulthood

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of preadult was in 1899

Dictionary Entries Near preadult

Cite this Entry

“Preadult.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preadult. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

preadult

adjective
: occurring or existing prior to adulthood
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