teen

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈtēn How to pronounce teen (audio)
Synonyms of teennext
: a teenage person : teenager
teen adjective

teen

2 of 2

noun (2)

archaic
: misery, affliction

Examples of teen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
Teens say a traffic altercation with former Dallas Cowboy Dez Bryant escalated in Southlake, where video shows Bryant slapping a phone out of a teen's hand. — Erin Jones, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026 Our community partner programs, which have reached more than 950 teens in Chicago since 2023, produce similar shifts. — Nina Vinik, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026 Schmidt was remembered as a loving son, grandson and nephew and a teen known for planning his entire day around helping someone in need. — Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026 Three quarters of American teens use the bots for personal companionship, and most believe that AI is already conscious or will be in the future. — Sam Kestenbaum, Harpers Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for teen

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

Middle English tene, from Old English tēona injury, grief; akin to Old Norse tjōn loss, damage

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1818, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of teen was in the 13th century

Rhymes for teen

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Browse Nearby Words

teem with rain
teen
teenage
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Teen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/teen. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

teen

noun
ˈtēn
: teenager
teen adjective

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