prepubescence

noun

pre·​pu·​bes·​cence ˌprē-pyü-ˈbe-sᵊn(t)s How to pronounce prepubescence (audio)
: the period of development immediately preceding puberty

Examples of prepubescence in a Sentence

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.
After a few clicks, some played more overtly at prepubescence, posing in children’s clothing. Amanda Taub, New York Times, 3 June 2019 Poignant interactions with other kids, your frustration with curricular requirements, the developmental travails of prepubescence. Aaron Gilbreath, Longreads, 28 Oct. 2017 Though more than a century of prepubescence might sound bad, there’s a bright side for the sea creature. Nicholas St. Fleur, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2016

Word History

Etymology

pre- + pubescence

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prepubescence was in 1908

Dictionary Entries Near prepubescence

Cite this Entry

“Prepubescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prepubescence. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

prepubescence

noun
pre·​pu·​bes·​cence -pyü-ˈbes-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce prepubescence (audio)
: the period of development immediately preceding puberty
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!