ENGLISH
REFERENCE

teen

n. countable
A2 Elementary US //ˈtin// UK //tˈiːn// teen Archaic Dialect Vulgar

n. a person between the ages of 13 and 19. It is a shorter, more casual way to say teenager.

n. a person aged between 13 and 19 years inclusive. Informal in register; a clipping of the word teenager.


SIMPLE

The local library has a special section for teens.

CONTEXTUAL

Many clothing brands focus their marketing efforts on teens who are active on social media.

COMPLEX

The study examines how modern teens navigate the transition to adulthood in an increasingly digital landscape, focusing specifically on their social interactions and mental health.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

Clipping of teenager. For more synonyms see at Thesaurus:teenager.

Etymology 2

From Middle English tene, from Old English tēona, tēone, tēon, from Proto-West Germanic teun, from Proto-Germanic *teuną.

Etymology 3

From Middle English tenen, from Old English tēonian, tȳnan (“to vex, annoy, provoke”), from Proto-West Germanic tiunijan, from Proto-Germanic tiunijaną.

Etymology 4

From Middle English tenen, tinen, from Old English tȳnan (“to fence, inclose, shut, close”), from Proto-West Germanic tūnijan, from Proto-West Germanic tūn, from Proto-Germanic *tūną (“fence, enclosure”). Doublet of tine. Cognate with Dutch tuinen, German zäunen. Related to English town.

Usage

Often used as a modifier before another noun, such as 'teen idol' or 'teen fashion'.

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