# adolescence

/ˌædəˈɫɛsəns/ (US) · /ˌædəlˈɛsəns/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/adolescence
Updated: 2026-05-04

## Definition

the period of life between childhood and adulthood. It is the time when your body changes and you start to become an independent adult.

For teachers: the transitional stage of physical and psychological development that usually occurs during the period between puberty and maturity.

## Examples

- Adolescence brings many physical and emotional changes.
- During adolescence, teenagers often seek more independence from their parents.
- The turbulence of adolescence is not merely a biological inevitability but also a social construct shaped by educational and cultural expectations.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.