young

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/jʌŋ/
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At an early stage of life or existence, with noun uses for people and animal offspring in that stage.
Practice using young in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • The young need places to play.
  • Older people and the young met at the center.
  • The teacher works with young children.
  • My dog was young when we found him.
  • A young idea can change over time.

Similar words

new
emerging
offspring
youth
youthful

Meanings

Not old

adjective
age
neutral
Having lived for only a short time, especially relative to others of the same kind.

Examples

  • She is still young.
  • The young boy ran home.
  • My dog was young when we found him.
  • The teacher works with young children.
  • He became a father at a young age.

Similar words

youthful

New or early in development

adjective
development
neutral
Having existed for only a short time, before becoming fully developed.

Examples

  • The tree is still young.
  • This is a young company.
  • The young garden needs water.
  • A young idea can change over time.
  • The forest is full of young plants.

Similar words

new
emerging

Young people

noun
society
neutral
Young people considered as a group; usually used as “the young.”

Examples

  • The young need places to play.
  • This film appeals to the young.
  • The program helps the young find work.
  • The young often learn new tools quickly.
  • Older people and the young met at the center.

Similar words

youth

Animal offspring

noun
animals
neutral
The babies or offspring of an animal, considered together.

Examples

  • The bird fed her young.
  • The fox kept its young safe.
  • The mother bear watched her young.
  • The ducks led their young to water.
  • Many animals protect their young.

Similar words

offspring

Etymology

From Old English geong, meaning in the early stage of life; the noun developed from the adjective.

FAQ

What does young usually mean?

Not old; at an early stage of life.

What are its comparative forms?

Younger and youngest.

Can a tree be young?

Yes. It has grown for only a short time.

Who are “the young”?

Young people as a group.

What are an animal’s young?

Its babies or offspring.

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