ENGLISH
REFERENCE

youngest

adj. · n.
US //ˈjəŋɡəst// UK //jˈʌŋɡəst// youngest
  1. 1 least old (adj.)
    A1 Beginner

    having the least age compared to everyone else in a group.

    the superlative degree of 'young', indicating the minimum age within a specific population or cohort.

    Example

    My youngest brother is still in primary school while the rest of us are working.

    Example

    The youngest candidate in the local election managed to secure a surprising number of votes from the student population.
  2. 2 most recently formed (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the newest or most recently started thing in a group.

    referring to the most recently established or initiated entity among several.

    Example

    This is the youngest department in the university, having only opened last year.

    Example

    Geologists determined that this volcanic island is the youngest in the chain, formed only a few thousand years ago.
Show 1 more senseShow fewer
  1. 3 the youngest person (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the person who has the least age in a family or group.

    the individual possessing the lowest chronological age within a family unit or social group.

    Example

    As the youngest, she often felt that her older sisters didn't take her seriously.

    Example

    Being the youngest of five siblings, he quickly learned how to negotiate for attention and resources within the household.

    Usage

    often used with the definite article 'the'

© 2026 English Reference