grown-up: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, conversational. Common in everyday speech, children's language, and informal writing. Less common in formal or technical contexts where 'adult' is preferred.
Quick answer
What does “grown-up” mean?
An adult.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An adult; a person who is fully developed physically and mentally, typically over the age of 18, and who is expected to behave in a mature, responsible manner.
The state or quality of being mature, responsible, and no longer childlike; can refer to serious, sensible behavior or attitudes associated with adulthood.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar. Slightly more common in UK English as a noun, especially in speech directed at or by children. The hyphen is standard in both varieties, though 'grownup' is an accepted variant.
Connotations
In both varieties, it can have a slightly nostalgic or wistful connotation when used by adults ('When I was a grown-up...'). It can also imply a performance of adulthood ('You need to be more grown-up about this').
Frequency
High frequency in informal contexts in both regions. The adjective form is equally common.
Grammar
How to Use “grown-up” in a Sentence
[Noun] be/become a grown-up[Adjective] grown-up [Noun] (e.g., grown-up decision)Verb + like a grown-up (e.g., eat, talk, behave)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “grown-up” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- When you're a grown-up, you can have pudding whenever you like.
- The film is enjoyable for both kids and grown-ups.
- She's only twelve, but she talks like a grown-up.
American English
- You'll understand when you're a grown-up.
- It's a party for grown-ups only.
- He's trying to impress the other grown-ups at the meeting.
adjective
British English
- Let's have a grown-up conversation about our finances.
- She chose a very grown-up coat for the interview.
- This is a bit too grown-up for a seven-year-old.
American English
- It's time to make a grown-up decision.
- He ordered a grown-up drink, like a gin and tonic.
- The movie deals with some pretty grown-up themes.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. 'Adult' or 'professional' is preferred.
Academic
Rare. 'Adult' or 'mature individual' is used.
Everyday
Very common, especially in family contexts and informal advice.
Technical
Not used. 'Adult', 'of legal age', or 'post-adolescent' are standard.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “grown-up”
- Using 'grown-up' in formal writing where 'adult' is required.
- Writing it as two separate words ('grown up') when used as a noun or adjective before another noun (e.g., 'a grown-up book' is correct, 'a grown up book' is incorrect). 'Grown up' is correct as a phrasal verb (e.g., 'He has grown up').
- Overusing it in contexts where simply 'adult' sounds more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is primarily informal. Use 'adult' in formal, academic, or technical contexts.
'Adult' is neutral and formal. 'Grown-up' is informal, often used by or when speaking to children, and can imply a focus on behavior and responsibility rather than just age.
Yes, very commonly. It describes things suitable for or characteristic of adults (e.g., grown-up movie, grown-up attitude).
The standard hyphenated form is 'grown-up', especially as a noun or adjective. 'Grownup' is a common variant. 'Grown up' (two words) is correct only when 'up' functions as part of the phrasal verb 'to grow up'.
An adult.
Grown-up: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡrəʊn ˈʌp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡroʊn ˈʌp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Act your age, not your shoe size (related concept)”
- “Put away childish things”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a plant that has 'grown up' tall and complete, no longer a seedling.
Conceptual Metaphor
ADULTHOOD IS UPWARD GROWTH / MATURITY IS COMPLETION OF GROWTH.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'grown-up' used correctly as an adjective?