B2noun1K

Teens

UK /["/tiːnz/"]/US /["/tiːnz/"]/

Definition

the years of a person’s life when they are between 13 and 19 years old

In simple words: Young people between 13 and 19 years old.

Examples

  • She began writing poetry in her teens.
  • to be in your **early/late teens**
  • He didn't want to share a room with his brother once he reached his teens.
  • His parents divorced during his teens.
  • She's had skin problems since her teens.
  • An eyewitness described a boy in his mid to late teens wearing a dark jacket.

Usage notes

Used in informal and neutral contexts to refer to young people. Avoid in formal writing or when referring to age groups older or younger than teenagers.

Grammar pattern

noun + 'are' + adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'teen' — like 13, 14, 15... through 19.

Collocations

  • early
  • late
  • reach
  • during your teens
  • in your teens
  • since your teens

Synonyms

  • youth
  • youngsters
  • adolescents
  • kids

Antonyms

  • adults
  • seniors

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'adolescents' which can include younger children.
  • Used incorrectly to describe young adults over 19 years old.
  • Misunderstood as a term for all youth rather than those specific ages.