Adult Definition: Usage and Examples

Look at how native speakers typically use this word daily and try to create something similar.

To define an adult, it is worth looking at the synonymous expressions connected to it. Moreover, it will help you expand your vocabulary and make your written and spoken English richer.

Related nouns: adulthood maturity grown-up

Synonyms (contextual): mature person

Common collocations: adult population adult audience adult residents

“Adult” can come together with different parts of speech like verbs, nouns and adjectives. Learning about common patterns can shape your understanding of typical collocations.

With adjectives: healthy adult independent adult responsible adult

With verbs: become an adult interview an adult screen an adult

With nouns (noun + noun): adult worker adult male/female adult visitor

Get more information about the usage of this word by looking at its meaning in the idiomatic and non-direct contexts.

• The adult in the room — refers to a person who behaves with maturity, responsibility, and calm judgment when others are acting immaturely or chaotically.

  When the discussion got heated, Sarah became the adult in the room and helped everyone refocus.

• Only adults are allowed in — means that access is restricted to people who are legally considered adults (usually 18+), often due to safety, legal, or content restrictions.

    The casino’s gaming floor is restricted; only adults are allowed in.

• Adult supervision — supervision provided by someone responsible and mature, for example, parents or older siblings.

    Children under 12 must be under adult supervision in the pool area.

Let’s check what you have already remembered! Use the exercises below to practice and consolidate all the information learned.

Look and listen to “adult” spelling and pronunciation in different languages:

The meaning of adult may be straightforward and obvious, but the information in this block is not. Read these interesting insights and learn what tidbits stay behind this word.

• Your brain is not fully adult until your mid-20s.

  The prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making, planning and self-control, undergoes development till the age of 25. Young adults have good control of their emotions and what they do, but are still in the process of improving it.

• Adults blink less often than kids.

  While children’s blinking rate is about 20-25 times each minute, that of adults is only 15-20. Less blinking may be the result of a higher concentration rate of adults, but at the same time, it may cause dry or tired eyes.

• Your taste buds decline as you age.

  Adults possess fewer and fewer taste buds the older they get, thus flavours like bitter vegetables or spicy dishes can be a bit more tolerable and even liked. This is the reason why some food that people disliked in childhood might turn out to be the one that they like when they grow older.

• Adults laugh not so frequently as kids.

  4-year-olds can laugh over 300 times a day, whereas 40-year-old adults only laugh about 4 times on average, according to Psychology Today. Stress, responsibilities and routine all limit laughter, even though humor is very important for mental health.

• Emotional intelligence peaks in adulthood.

  Adults tend to handle empathy, conflict and teamwork better than younger individuals because of life experience. Such qualities usually get better with age, helping navigate through relationships and complex situations.

Becoming an adult is a part of our lives that gives us a lot of opportunities, benefits and responsibilities. Look at how this word found its place in quotations and what they mean.