Adult
/ˈædʌlt/
nounBeginnerVery CommonLegal
Meanings
Questions
Definitions
2 meanings1
A person who has reached the legal age of majority.
/ˈædʌlt/
nounneutralBeginner
Legal
A grown-up person
She's a responsible adult.
💡 Simply: A fully grown person.
More Examples
2
Only adults are allowed in this bar.
How It's Used
General
"The adult population of the city is increasing."
Legal
"Only adults can vote in this election."
2
Having reached full development or maturity.
/ˈædʌlt/
adjectiveneutralIntermediate
General
Fully developed
The adult form of the insect is quite different from the larva.
💡 Simply: Fully grown.
More Examples
2
This is an adult plant.
How It's Used
Biology
"The adult insect has wings."
Tip:Fully developed, like a fully grown organism.
From Middle French adulte, from Latin adultus, past participle of adulescere "to grow up," from ad- "to" + -olescere "to grow."
Historically, the word's usage often implied a contrast with youth and immaturity.
Memory tip
Think of 'grown-up' or 'mature'.
Practice
adoultadulte
Usage
70%Spoken
30%Written