youth
yooth
Youth (noun) means the period of life between childhood and adulthood. Example: “Many people look back on their youth as a time of freedom.”
noun
1
The period of life between childhood and adulthood.
"Many people look back on their youth as a time of freedom."
"He spent his youth travelling around Europe."
"She was a talented dancer in her youth."
2
A young person, especially a teenager.
"The coach praised the youth who stayed behind to help tidy the pitch."
"A polite youth held the door open for the elderly couple."
"A group of youths were hanging around outside the shop."
3
Young people considered as a group.
"The town council has built a new park for the local youth."
"Music has always been popular among the youth of every generation."
"The campaign is aimed at engaging the youth of today."
How to use youth
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe early years of a person's life, or young people as a group.
When to use it
Calling an individual "a youth" (rather than "a young man/woman") is common in news reporting and can sound slightly formal or, in some contexts, judgmental.
Common pairings
in his youth
youth culture
local youths
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Word forms
- Plural
- youths
Fill the gap
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Many people look back on their _____ as a time of freedom.
Etymology
From Old English ġeoguþ, formed from the same root as young plus an abstract noun ending, so it originally just meant "the state of being young."
Synonyms
View more →
adolescence
teens
young age
youthfulness
young people
the young
young
younker
early days
juvenility
young person
spring chicken
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for youth
south
mouth
uncouth
vermouth
badmouth
Plymouth
Falmouth
bigmouth
loudmouth
Dartmouth
Portsmouth
Bournemouth
See all rhymes for youth →
Frequently asked questions
What does “youth” mean?
The word “youth” means the period of life between childhood and adulthood. In plain terms, the early years of a person's life, or young people as a group.
How do you pronounce “youth”?
“Youth” is pronounced yooth (/juθ/ in IPA).
How do you use “youth” in a sentence?
Here is “youth” used in a sentence: “He spent his youth travelling around Europe.”
What part of speech is “youth”?
“Youth” is a noun.
Where does the word “youth” come from?
The word “youth” comes from Old English. From Old English ġeoguþ, formed from the same root as young plus an abstract noun ending, so it originally just meant "the state of being young.".
Is “youth” a common word?
“Youth” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “youth” have?
“Youth” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the period of life between childhood and adulthood.
What is the difference between youth and adolescence?
The two overlap but aren't identical. Adolescence is the biological and psychological stage of puberty, roughly the early to late teens. Youth is broader and more social, covering the whole span between childhood and full adulthood, sometimes into the twenties. Adolescence emphasizes development; youth emphasizes the phase of life itself.
What are the different meanings of 'youth'?
'Youth' carries three main senses. It names the period of life between childhood and adulthood ('in her youth'), the quality of being young ('full of youth and energy'), and a young person, usually male ('a youth waited outside'). It can also refer to young people collectively, as in 'the youth of today.'
What is the opposite of youth?
The main opposites are age, old age, and maturity — the later stages of life that follow. 'Adulthood' contrasts with youth as a life stage, while 'old age' sits at the far end. As a quality, the reverse of youthful energy is the experience, or sometimes the weariness, that comes with getting older.
Why is youth considered important?
Youth is seen as a formative time when identity, values, and skills take shape, setting the direction for adult life. It's often associated with energy, learning, and possibility. Societies invest heavily in this stage through education and opportunity, and many cultures romanticize it as a period of freedom before adult responsibilities arrive.
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