juvenile

The word “juvenile” means young or not yet fully grown; relating to young people. In plain terms, relating to young people or youthfulness, or, negatively, behaviour that's childish.

“Juvenile” is pronounced JOO-vuh-nyl (/ˈd͡ʒuːvənaɪl/ in IPA).

Here is “juvenile” used in a sentence: “The zoo has a program to protect juvenile sea turtles.”

The opposite of “juvenile” — its antonyms — are adult, mature, nonjuvenile, old and senile.

Depending on how it is used, “juvenile” can be an adjective and a noun.

The word “juvenile” comes from Latin. From Latin iuvenilis, "youthful," from iuvenis, "young person" — the same root behind junior.

“Juvenile” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.

“Juvenile” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: young or not yet fully grown; relating to young people.

"Juvenile" broadly means young or not fully grown and, in law, refers to a minor under the age of adulthood. "Adolescent" refers more specifically to someone in the teenage years between childhood and adulthood. All adolescents are juveniles, but "juvenile" can cover a wider range of young ages.

Both describe immature behaviour, but "childish" directly likens someone to a child, while "juvenile" describes behaviour as silly or immature for a person's age. Both are usually meant as criticism when applied to an adult, though "juvenile" often sounds more disapproving in formal or serious contexts.

Both refer to a young person below the age of legal adulthood. "Minor" is the general legal status of someone under the age of majority, while "juvenile" is often used within the justice system, as in "juvenile offender" or "juvenile court." The exact ages involved depend on the jurisdiction.

It depends on the sense. When it simply means young or not yet fully grown, for example a juvenile bird, it is neutral and descriptive. When it describes a person's behaviour as childish or immature for their age, it is negative and critical.