noun
juvie
JOO-vee
Juvie (noun) means informal term for a juvenile detention centre, where young offenders are held. Example: “He spent six months in juvie for the break-in.”
noun
1
Informal term for a juvenile detention centre, where young offenders are held.
"He spent six months in juvie for the break-in."
2
Informal term for a young offender or minor in trouble with the law.
"The show follows a group of juvies trying to turn their lives around."
How to use juvie
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSlang for juvenile detention, or for a young person in the justice system.
When to use it
Very informal — mainly spoken usage, common in American English.
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Word forms
- Plural
- juvies
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He spent six months in _____ for the break-in.
Etymology
A casual shortening of juvenile, with the informal -ie ending added.
Rhymes for juvie
See all rhymes for juvie →Frequently asked questions
What does “juvie” mean?
The word “juvie” means informal term for a juvenile detention centre, where young offenders are held. In plain terms, slang for juvenile detention, or for a young person in the justice system.
How do you pronounce “juvie”?
“Juvie” is pronounced JOO-vee (/ˈd͡ʒuːvi/ in IPA).
How do you use “juvie” in a sentence?
Here is “juvie” used in a sentence: “He spent six months in juvie for the break-in.”
What part of speech is “juvie”?
“Juvie” is a noun.
How many meanings does “juvie” have?
“Juvie” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: informal term for a juvenile detention centre, where young offenders are held.
