grownup: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal
Quick answer
What does “grownup” mean?
An adult person.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An adult person.
A person who behaves with the maturity and responsibility expected of an adult.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. Slightly more common in British English as a single-word noun.
Connotations
In both dialects, it is informal and often used by children or when speaking to children about adults. It can sound slightly childish or nostalgic.
Frequency
Common in informal speech in both dialects. The two-word form 'grown up' (adjective/verb phrase) is universal.
Grammar
How to Use “grownup” in a Sentence
[be/become] + a + grownup[act/talk/think] like a + grownupVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “grownup” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He has finally grown up and taken responsibility.
- I grew up in a small village in Cornwall.
American English
- She needs to grow up and face the consequences.
- I grew up watching baseball with my dad.
adjective
British English
- That was a very grown-up decision to make.
- Let's have a grown-up conversation about our finances.
American English
- It's time for some grown-up talk.
- She picked a very grown-up book for her age.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. 'Adult' or 'professional' is preferred.
Academic
Not used. 'Adult' is the formal term.
Everyday
Common, especially in family contexts and when speaking to or about children.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “grownup”
- Using 'grownup' as a formal term (use 'adult').
- Misspelling the adjective form as one word (e.g., 'a grownup decision' - incorrect; 'a grown-up decision' is correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a noun, it is standard as one word ('grownup') or hyphenated ('grown-up'). As an adjective, it is almost always hyphenated ('grown-up'). The verb phrase is always two words ('grown up').
No, it is informal. The formal equivalent is 'adult'.
'Adult' is neutral and formal. 'Grownup' is informal, often used by or with children, and emphasizes mature behavior rather than just age.
Yes, but it is typically hyphenated: 'grown-up'. Example: 'a grown-up conversation'.
An adult person.
Grownup: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡrəʊnʌp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡroʊnˌəp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Act your age, not your shoe size - be a grownup!”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A 'grownup' is someone who has 'grown up' completely.
Conceptual Metaphor
ADULTHOOD IS A STATE OF COMPLETION (having finished growing).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'grownup' correctly as a noun?