C1noun 5K

Youngster

UK /["/ˈjʌŋstə(r)/"]/ US /["/ˈjʌŋstər/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

a young person or a child

Listen to definition

In simple words: A young person, especially a child or teenager.

Examples

• The camp is for youngsters aged 8 to 14.
• He started the youth group to keep local youngsters off the streets.
• He was a talented youngster, naturally gifted at the piano.
• Our aim is to encourage youngsters from all backgrounds.

Usage notes

Used to refer to children or teens in general contexts. Avoid in highly formal writing; use 'youth' instead in academic settings.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'young' - it's a 'youngster' who's still growing.

Collocations

• youngster club
• youngster athlete
• youngster generation

Synonyms

• child
• teenager
• kid
• youth
• juvenile

Antonyms

• elder
• adult

Common mistakes

• Confusing with 'youth', which can imply a broader age range.
• Using it interchangeably with 'kid' in formal contexts.
• Incorrectly pluralizing as 'youngsterses'.