preadult

adjective

pre·​adult ˌprē-ə-ˈdəlt How to pronounce preadult (audio)
-ˈa-ˌdəlt
: preceding adulthood
preadult years/experiences
: not yet having reached adulthood or the adult stage of development
preadult students
preadult larvae
preadult noun
or pre-adult
plural preadults or pre-adults
… referring to adults behaving and living as if they are preadults. —David Pitt
preadulthood
ˌprē-ə-ˈdəlt-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce preadult (audio)
noun
or pre-adulthood

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of preadult was in 1899

Dictionary Entries Near preadult

preadolescence

preadult

preagricultural

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Preadult.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preadult. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

preadult

adjective
pre·​adult -ə-ˈdəlt, -ˈad-ˌəlt How to pronounce preadult (audio)
: occurring or existing prior to adulthood
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