mid-teen: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Semi-formal/Informal
Quick answer
What does “mid-teen” mean?
A person who is approximately 14–16 years old.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who is approximately 14–16 years old.
The period of life or a specific age range in the middle of the teenage years; sometimes used attributively to describe things associated with that age group.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. 'Mid-teens' as a plural form is slightly more common than the hyphenated singular 'mid-teen' in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral descriptor of age range, with slight emphasis on developmental stage rather than just chronological age.
Frequency
Moderately common in journalism, parenting contexts, and social sciences.
Grammar
How to Use “mid-teen” in a Sentence
[Det] mid-teen [noun]in [one's] mid-teensa mid-teen of [age]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mid-teen” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- She's just a mid-teen, so she needs more guidance.
American English
- The program is designed for a mid-teen who loves science.
adjective
British English
- He's going through a typical mid-teen phase.
American English
- They studied mid-teen development in the psychology class.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; possibly in market research targeting specific age demographics.
Academic
Used in psychology, sociology, and education papers to specify a developmental sub-stage.
Everyday
Common in conversation about children's ages and stages.
Technical
Used in clinical and developmental contexts to specify age ranges with more precision than 'teenager'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mid-teen”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mid-teen”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mid-teen”
- Using 'mid-teen' as a precise number (e.g., 'He is mid-teen' instead of 'He is in his mid-teens').
- Confusing with 'pre-teen' or 'late-teen.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is typically hyphenated as a compound adjective (mid-teen years) or noun. The plural 'mid-teens' (without hyphen) is also common.
It's grammatically possible but redundant. 'She is 15' or 'She is in her mid-teens' is more natural.
'Pre-teen' or 'tween' (approx. 9-12) comes before. 'Late-teen' (approx. 17-19) comes after.
It is semi-formal. In very formal writing, 'adolescent' or 'youth aged 14-16' might be preferred.
A person who is approximately 14–16 years old.
Mid-teen: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɪd ˈtiːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɪd ˈtin/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none directly associated]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'mid' as in middle, 'teen' as in thirteen to nineteen. The middle of those teen years.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A JOURNEY (mid-teen as a milestone/phase on the path from childhood to adulthood).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most precise meaning of 'mid-teen'?