Teen Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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teen

[tiหn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

age group

A person between the ages of 13 and 19; adolescent.

Synonyms

adolescent, youngster, youth.

Examples of usage

  • She is a typical teen who loves spending time with her friends.
  • As a teen, he struggled with finding his identity and purpose.
  • Many teens enjoy listening to music and exploring new hobbies.
Context #2 | Noun

abbreviation

Teen is often short for teenager.

Examples of usage

  • She's already a teen, she will be turning 13 next month.
  • Most teens go through a phase of rebellion and independence.
Context #3 | Adjective

informal

Relating to teenagers or the period of time when a person is a teenager.

Synonyms

adolescent, youthful.

Examples of usage

  • Teen fashion tends to change rapidly.
  • The movie is targeted at a teen audience.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'teenager' began to be popular in the 1950s, marking a distinct age group in society.
  • The word 'teen' itself is derived from the suffix '-teen', found in the numbers thirteen to nineteen, highlighting that these years are part of the transition from childhood to adulthood.

Pop Culture

  • The rise of 'teen culture' was significantly influenced by films and music in the 1950s, as rock and roll became a voice for young people.
  • Today, teen characters in movies often reflect the struggles and experiences of adolescence, like growing up, friendship, and self-discovery.

Psychology

  • Teen years are critical for brain development, particularly in areas related to decision-making and emotional regulation.
  • This period of life often includes identity exploration, as teens seek to understand who they are separate from their parents.

Education

  • In many cultures, the transition into teenage years signifies the start of more complex educational responsibilities, as students face high school challenges.
  • Teens often benefit from peer learning, as they engage more with friends and classmates than with adults during this stage.

Health

  • Teenagers experience significant physical changes and are often advised to adopt healthy eating and exercise habits.
  • Mental health awareness in teens has grown, with an increasing emphasis on addressing issues like anxiety and depression.

Origin of 'teen'

The word 'teen' originated in the late 19th century as a shortened form of 'teenager', which was used to describe individuals between the ages of 13 and 19. The term gained popularity in the early 20th century with the rise of youth culture and has since become a common part of everyday language to refer to young people in their teenage years.


See also: nineteen, teenage, teenager, teenagers, teens.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,974, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.