plural noun
People who have grown up and are no longer children.
Only adults are allowed in the nightclub.
Young adults often face important life decisions.
American English
How to pronounce adults
nounA2Common word
AAdlts
/ˈæ.ɾl̩ts/
2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Form of adult
People who have grown up and are no longer children.
What to listen for
“Adults” has two common pronunciations: /ˈæ.ɾl̩ts/ and /əˈdəɫts/. The stress can be at the beginning or on the second syllable.
First-syllable stress: /ˈæ.ɾl̩ts//ˈæ.ɾl̩ts/
Second-syllable stress: /əˈdəɫts//əˈdəɫts/
Meanings & examples
Useful expressions
A person who is a young adult, usually between about 18 and 30.
Many young adults move away from home.
Education and classes for grown people.
She works in adult education.
With an adult watching and helping when needed.
Children must swim under adult supervision.