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
Fans had no social media to analyze the budding teen romance between Topanga Lawrence and Cory Matthews while the sitcom aired on ABC. — Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026 The Oakland County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's help in locating a Pontiac teen who has been missing for over a month. — Karma Sabbah, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026 Data points ahead of the report indicated that web and foot traffic for Vans indicate recovery, particularly with male teens, while Timberland resonates with upper-income teens. — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2026 Two teen boys are suspects in the fatal shooting of a Gastonia woman on her porch, and one was caught 425 miles away, trying to board a flight to Africa, according to investigators in North Carolina. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 28 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

See All Rhymes for teen

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 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

teen

noun
ˈtēn
: teenager
teen adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on teen

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