Need another word for Preteen? Use these synonyms of Preteen from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
youthful
adolescent
juvenile
teenage
young
minor
immature
inexperienced
pubescent
preadolescent
tween
school-age
junior
youthful
childlike
innocent
naive
green
callow
inexperienced
fresh
tender
juvenile
kid
youngster
minor
youth
schoolboy
schoolgirl
teenager
minor
nonadult
underage
prepubescent
youngling
Meaning of Preteen
A preteen is a child on the verge of adolescence, typically between the ages of 9 and 12.
Definitions
- A preteen is a child who is in the preteen years, typically between the ages of 9 and 12, and is considered to be on the verge of adolescence.
- The term preteen refers to the stage of development that occurs before the teenage years, characterized by significant physical, emotional, and social changes.
Etymology of Preteen
The word "preteen" is a combination of the prefix "pre-" meaning "before" and the word "teen", which refers to the teenage years.
The term has its roots in the mid-20th century, when it was used to describe the period of childhood that precedes adolescence.
According to Oxford Languages, the word "preteen" was first used in the 1950s to describe children who were on the cusp of adolescence.
Example Uses
- The preteen years can be a challenging time for children as they navigate significant physical and emotional changes.
- Many preteens struggle with body image issues and self-esteem as they enter adolescence.
- The preteen market is a significant demographic for companies that produce toys, clothing, and entertainment for children.