First Known Use: 1625
Dictionary
1juvenile
adjective ju·ve·nile \ˈjü-və-ˌnī(-ə)l, -nəl\
: unpleasantly childish
: relating to or meant for young people
: of or relating to young people who have committed crimes
Full Definition of JUVENILE
1
a : physiologically immature or undeveloped : young b : derived from sources within the earth and coming to the surface for the first time —used especially of water and gas
2
: of, relating to, characteristic of, or suitable for children or young people <juvenile books>
3
: reflecting psychological or intellectual immaturity : childish
See juvenile defined for English-language learners
See juvenile defined for kids
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Origin of JUVENILE
French or Latin; French juvénile, from Latin juvenilis, from juvenis young person — more at young
2juvenile
noun
: a young person : a person who is not yet old enough to be legally considered an adult
: a young bird or animal
Full Definition of JUVENILE
1
a : a young person : youth b : a book for children or young people
2
: a young individual resembling an adult of its kind except in size and reproductive activity: as a : a fledged bird not yet in adult plumage b : a 2-year-old racehorse
3
: an actor or actress who plays youthful parts
See juvenile defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of JUVENILE
1733
Related to JUVENILE
Rhymes with JUVENILE
JUVENILE Defined for Kids
1juvenile
adjective ju·ve·nile \ˈjü-və-ˌnīl, -və-nəl\
Definition of JUVENILE for Kids
1
: not fully grown or developed <a juvenile bird>
2
: of or designed for young people <a juvenile magazine>
3
: having or showing a lack of emotional maturity <juvenile pranks>
2juvenile
noun
Definition of JUVENILE for Kids
: a young person : youth
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