preteen

1 of 2

noun

pre·​teen ˈprē-ˈtēn How to pronounce preteen (audio)
-ˌtēn
Synonyms of preteennext
: a boy or girl not yet 13 years old

preteen

2 of 2

adjective

1
: relating to or produced for children especially in the 9 to 12 year-old age group
preteen fashions
2
: being younger than 13

Examples of preteen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
In 2021, he was accused of molesting two preteen brothers during the early 1970s while serving as choir director at Precious Blood Catholic Church. — Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 With some supervision, preteens may take to this project like ducks to water. — Anna Attkisson Published, Parents, 21 Aug. 2026
Adjective
Magnetic and unforgettable, preteen Baquero’s performance anchored a major awards-season breakthrough for del Toro. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 30 June 2026 When North was first spotted with a dermal piercing on her hand in September 2025, fans were quick to call out Kardashian for allowing her preteen daughter to undergo body modifications. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for preteen

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1938, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1929, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of preteen was in 1929

Rhymes for preteen

See All Rhymes for preteen

Browse Nearby Words

pretechnological
preteen
preteenager
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preteen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preteen. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

preteen

1 of 2 noun
pre·​teen ˈprē-ˈtēn How to pronounce preteen (audio)
: a boy or girl not yet 13 years old

preteen

2 of 2 adjective
1
: relating to or produced for children especially in the 9 to 12 year-old age group
preteen fashions
2
: being younger than 13 years old

More from Merriam-Webster on preteen

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for preteen

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