tween

1 of 2

preposition

ˈtwēn How to pronounce tween (audio)
Synonyms of tween
: between

tween

2 of 2

noun

: preteen

Examples of tween in a Sentence

Noun a movie that appeals to tweens
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Gen Alpha, due to the internet’s flattening of tween culture, are also tapping into Longchamp, drawn in by its bridge brand status. — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026 Not merely due to sympathy for the tweens, nor from projecting some future time when the unerasable archive of this yearning might prove embarrassing. — Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 Why Frank O’Hara is the perfect way to introduce poetry to tweens. — Literary Hub, 12 Oct. 2026 The fantastical creatures might appeal to younger kids but the storyline hinges on a series of weighty emotional moments that can only be appreciated by teens and tweens. — Parents, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tween

Word History

Etymology

Preposition

Middle English twene, short for betwene

Noun

blend of between and teen entry 1

First Known Use

Preposition

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tween was in the 12th century

Rhymes for tween

See All Rhymes for tween

Browse Nearby Words

tweel
tween
tween-deck
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tween.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tween. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

tween

2 of 2 noun
: preteen entry 1

Medical Definition

Tween

trademark
ˈtwēn How to pronounce Tween (audio)
—used for any of several preparations of polysorbates

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