grown-up

[grohn-uhp]

adjective

1. having reached the age of maturity.

2. characteristic of or suitable for adults.

   grown-up behavior; grown-up fiction.

grown-up

adjective

1. having reached maturity; adult

2. suitable for or characteristic of an adult

noun

1. an adult

Other Word Forms

• grown-upness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of grown-up¹

First recorded in 1625–35; adj. use of verb phrase grow up

Example Sentences

It’s not surprising to encounter a grown-up with fond memories of Chuck E. Cheese.

From Los Angeles Times

But the company decided to go without a proper food and beverage program for Chuck’s Arcade, meaning those grown-up kidults won’t be sipping on booze or mocktails.

From Los Angeles Times

McKillips argues this is actually an advantage for Chuck’s Arcade, allowing it to reach a grown-up audience but still feel family-friendly.

From Los Angeles Times

Chuck E. Cheese is all grown-up.

From Los Angeles Times

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said the deal was a "product of months of grown-up diplomacy" which would "deliver real results".

From BBC