WordGarden.iopreteen
B1Pronunciation
UK
US
- /ˌpriˈtin/
Meanings
Adjective
relating to children just under the teenage years
Noun
a child just under the teenage years
Beyond the definition
"Preteen" describes the stage right before the teenage years, usually around ages 9 to 12. It is that awkward, exciting time when kids are starting to grow up but are not teenagers yet. They may be less interested in little-kid activities and more interested in friends, hobbies, style, and finding out who they are. You might hear about "preteen books" or "preteen worries," meaning things that fit this age group. It is a special stage with its own challenges and joys.
The word "preteen" refers to a child who is approaching the teenage years, typically between the ages of 9 and 12. It describes a stage of transition when many children begin going through physical, emotional, and social changes that come before the full teenage period.
This is not just about age; it is also about changing interests and concerns. Children at this stage often start to build more complex friendships, pay more attention to their appearance, and seek a little more independence from their parents. They may become more interested in music, fashion, social media, and forming their own opinions about the world around them.
The term "preteen" is fairly modern and became more common when people began talking about this age group as having its own interests and needs. You will often see it used in education, parenting, psychology, and marketing when people discuss the challenges and experiences common at this stage. It is a time of fast growth and self-discovery, a bridge between being a child and becoming a teenager.
Examples
- 1
Family
My preteen son still loves cartoons, but he also wants more privacy.
- 2
Age group
The camp is designed for preteens who are too old for the little kids' program.
- 3
Childhood memories
She remembers her preteen years as a time of sleepovers, braces, and changing friendships.
- 4
Target audience
The movie's humor is aimed at a preteen audience, not very young children or adults.
See also
Similar
- tween
- preadolescent
- preteenager
Shades of meaning
- middle schooler
- upper elementary student
Contrast
- teenager
- young child
Used with (collocations)
- preteen child
- preteen years
- preteen audience
Word family
- preteenage
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- preteennounadjective
Forms
- preteenspluralnounadjective