WordGarden.ioyoung
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /jˈʌŋ/
US
- /ˈjəŋ/
Meanings
Adjective
in an early stage of life or growth; not yet old or fully adult
recently begun, made, or existing; still early or not fully mature
Noun
young people considered as a group
the offspring of an animal or young animals collectively
Beyond the definition
To be young is more than just an age; it's also a stage of life. It suggests freshness, limited experience, and the energy that often comes with early life. A young tree has not faced many storms yet; a young artist is still finding their style; and a young company is still growing. We often use "young" to describe people at the beginning of their lives, such as a young child or a young adult, but it can also describe animals, plants, ideas, and organizations that are still at an early stage. Sometimes, "young" also suggests promise; a young athlete may have a bright future.
Think about phrases like "young at heart"—it doesn't mean someone is literally young in years, but rather they retain the spirit and enthusiasm of youth! It can also be used comparatively: "He's younger than he looks."
The word "young" describes something or someone in an early stage of life or development. While often associated with age, it carries a broader meaning encompassing freshness, immaturity, and potential. We instinctively understand young when we see a baby animal taking its first steps or a seedling pushing through the soil.
The most common usage is to describe people: a young boy, a young woman. However, "young" extends far beyond humans. A young animal is still growing; a young tree has not reached full size; a young wine has not fully matured. It can also describe things that have existed only for a short time, such as a young democracy or a young company.
"Young" isn't always about literal age, though. We also use it figuratively to suggest a lack of experience. A young writer may still be learning the craft, and a young team may have talent but not much time together yet. Conversely, "young at heart" describes someone who keeps the energy and enthusiasm associated with youth, regardless of their actual years.
The word can also be used in comparisons ("She's younger than her sister") or as a qualifier ("He's a young professional just starting his career"). It even appears in set phrases like "the Young Turks" (referring to revolutionary reformers) and "young blood" (meaning new, energetic people).
So, whether describing age, experience, or spirit, young signifies beginnings, potential, and the promise of what's yet to come. It's a word that resonates with hope and possibility.
Examples
- 1
Children
Their children are still young, so they go to bed early.
- 2
Childhood memory
I learned to cook when I was quite young.
- 3
Age limit
He's too young to stay home alone.
- Patterntoo young to + verb
not old enough to do it
- 4
Young people
The app is especially popular with young people.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Career
She became a manager at a very young age.
- Phraseat a young age
when someone was still young
- 6
Young audiences
The museum wants to make history more interesting for young audiences.
- 7
Business age
It's a young company, but it's growing quickly.
- 8
New activity
Online shopping is still relatively young in some parts of the world.
- 9
Personality
My grandmother is in her seventies, but she's still young at heart.
- Phraseyoung at heart
having a lively, cheerful attitude
See also
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- youngnounadjective
Forms
- youngercomparativeadjectivenoun
- youngestsuperlativeadjectivenoun