the younger

noun

—used in comparing the ages of two people who are members of the same family

He's the younger of her two brothers.

—used to refer to the younger of two people (such as a father and son) who have the same name

the painters Hans Holbein the Elder and his son Hans Holbein the Younger

Examples of the younger 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.

Sardines and pilchards are the same type of fish, with sardines being the younger, smaller ones. — Michelle Gumede, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026 In addition to King Harald’s health problems and those of Queen Sonja, who has been struggling with heart conditions, the Norwegian monarchy has also had to face a series of scandals in recent years involving the younger generations. — Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026 Both father and son were wounded in the scuffle, with the younger man being stabbed in the head, lower back and right shoulder, while his dad was stabbed in his knee and slashed on his stomach, cops said. — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 2026 Taking the jury back in time Each day of the trial has required explanations for how the world was different in 1996, a reminder for the older jurors and a remedial education for the younger ones. — Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for the younger

Browse Nearby Words

the young

the younger

the youth

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“The younger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20younger. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

the younger

noun

Examples of the younger in a Sentence

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

conscientious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes