adjective / noun
young
YUNG/jʌŋ/
In an early stage of life or development.
The young puppy stands beside a fully grown dog.
Etymology
Old English geong already covered both youthful life and things that were new or fresh. The modern sense applies this same idea of an early stage to life, development, or existence.
In context
The mother's milk is so rich that the young moose gain a kilogram a day.
More examples
- Young trees need regular watering while their roots develop.
- The young company is still developing its first product.
- She is the youngest musician in the orchestra.
- The fox brings food back to her young.
Forms
young · younger · youngest
youth noun — The period of life before adulthood.
youthful adjective — Having qualities typical of young people.
Similar words
- youthful
- Describes young-looking appearance or energy, regardless of actual age.
- immature
- Emphasizes incomplete development and can suggest poor judgment.