young

1 syllable · also younger, youngest

Quick answer

As an adjective, young means in the early part of growth or life. As a noun, it means offspring, especially the immature offspring of animals.

Meanings of young

17 meanings

In the early part of growth or life; born not long ago.
“a lamb is a young sheep; these picture books are for young readers”
At an early stage of existence or development; having recently come into existence.
“the age of space travel is still young; a young business”
notAdvanced in age; (far towards or) at a specified stage of existence or age.
“How young is your dog? Her grandmother turned 70 years young last month.”
Junior (of two related people with the same name).
of a decade of lifeEarly.
Youthful; having the look or qualities of a young person.
“My grandmother is a very active woman and is quite young for her age.”
Of or belonging to the early part of life.
“The cynical world soon shattered my young dreams.”
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
“young people”
Similar: immature
(of crops) harvested at an early stage of development; before complete maturity
“new potatoes”
“young corn”
Similar: new
Suggestive of youth; vigorous and fresh
“he is young for his age”
Similar: youthful, vernal
Not tried or tested by experience
“unseasoned artillery volunteers”
“still untested in battle”
“an illustrator untried in mural painting”
Similar: unseasoned, untested, untried

Older and rare meanings (1)

often as if a plural nounOffspring, especially the immature offspring of animals.
“The lion caught a gnu to feed its young.”
“The lion's young are curious about the world around them.”
Young people collectively
“rock music appeals to the young”
“youth everywhere rises in revolt”
Similar: youth