noun
Uncommon
puberty
PYOO-buh-tee
Puberty (noun) means the stage of development, driven by hormones, during which a child's body matures into an adult body capable of reproduction. Example: “Puberty usually starts sometime between the ages of 9 and 14.”
noun
1
The stage of development, driven by hormones, during which a child's body matures into an adult body capable of reproduction.
"Puberty usually starts sometime between the ages of 9 and 14."
"Growth spurts and voice changes are common signs of puberty in boys."
How to use puberty
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe period when a child's body changes into an adult body, driven by hormones.
Common pairings
go through puberty
hit puberty
onset of puberty
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like puberty.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- puberties
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ usually starts sometime between the ages of 9 and 14.
Etymology
From Old French puberté, from Latin pubertas ("the age of maturity").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for puberty
See all rhymes for puberty →Frequently asked questions
What does “puberty” mean?
The word “puberty” means the stage of development, driven by hormones, during which a child's body matures into an adult body capable of reproduction. In plain terms, the period when a child's body changes into an adult body, driven by hormones.
How do you pronounce “puberty”?
“Puberty” is pronounced PYOO-buh-tee (/ˈpju.bɚ.ti/ in IPA).
How do you use “puberty” in a sentence?
Here is “puberty” used in a sentence: “Puberty usually starts sometime between the ages of 9 and 14.”
What part of speech is “puberty”?
“Puberty” is a noun.
Where does the word “puberty” come from?
The word “puberty” comes from Latin. From Old French puberté, from Latin pubertas ("the age of maturity").
Is “puberty” a common word?
“Puberty” is an uncommon word in modern English.
