Teen Meaning

UK /tiːn/
US /tiːn/
Word Definition
teen meaning

Teen Definition & Usage

noun

A person between the ages of 13 and 19, typically characterized by the developmental stage of adolescence.

Examples

  • "My little brother is a teen now; he's 14 years old and always on his phone."
  • "The teens at the concert were all singing along to the latest hits."
  • "Teenagers often face pressure to fit in with their peers."
  • "As a teen, he was very rebellious and refused to listen to authority."
  • "Teenagers are known for their rapid emotional and physical development."
noun

The period of life when a person is a teenager, usually between the ages of 13 and 19.

Examples

  • "Her teen years were filled with excitement and challenges."
  • "In my teen years, I loved going to the movies with friends every weekend."
  • "Teen life is often marked by identity exploration and independence."
  • "Many people look back on their teen years with a sense of nostalgia."
  • "The teen years can be both a time of great freedom and great confusion."
adjective

Of or relating to the teenage age group or characteristics commonly associated with it.

Examples

  • "He has a very teen-oriented fashion style, always wearing trendy clothes."
  • "The movie was a teen drama, filled with romance and school life."
  • "Her music taste is very teen-friendly; she loves pop hits."
  • "The store has a teen section with clothes and accessories for young people."
  • "Their conversation revolved around typical teen topics, like school gossip and weekend plans."

Cultural Context

The term 'teen' has been used since the late 19th century to describe young people between the ages of 13 and 19. During this time, the idea of adolescence as a distinct life stage became more recognized, particularly in Western cultures. The 'teen' years are often considered a period of self-discovery, rebellion, and intense peer influence, and this is reflected in pop culture, including music, fashion, and films.

A Summer of Change

Story

A Summer of Change

Sarah and Jake had been best friends for years, ever since they were kids. But this summer, something felt different. They were both 16 now, and as they sat on the old bench by the lake, they couldn't ignore the fact that they were no longer just 'kids'. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the water as Sarah absentmindedly scrolled through her phone. She had started spending more time with the 'older crowd' at school, and Jake was starting to feel left out. 'You don't hang out with me as much anymore,' Jake said, breaking the silence. 'What's going on?' Sarah shrugged, her fingers still tapping on the screen. 'I don't know. I guess I’m just... growing up. You know, things change when you’re a teen.' Jake stared out over the lake. It was true—being a teen was hard. One minute you were just a kid playing in the park, and the next, you were dealing with all these new feelings and pressures. He had never really thought about it until now. Sarah had been his best friend since they were little, but now, she was different. She was starting to care more about what people thought and less about the things that used to matter. The conversation turned to other topics. Sarah talked about her new teen crush, while Jake shared his thoughts on the upcoming high school football season. But both of them could feel the change in the air. They were no longer the carefree children they had been just a year ago. They were teens, figuring out who they were and where they fit in. And for the first time, it seemed like they were on different paths. By the end of the summer, both Sarah and Jake had learned something about themselves. Sarah realized that being a teen meant she didn’t have to rush through life, and Jake learned that sometimes it’s okay to let go of the past and embrace the changes that come with growing up. It was a summer of change, and though it was bittersweet, it was one they would never forget.

A Summer of Change