preteen

1 of 2

noun

pre·​teen ˈprē-ˈtēn 

-ˌtēn

: 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

Noun

The second photo was a throwback of when Ricki was a preteen. —Hannah Sacks, People.com, 8 Oct. 2024

But the preteen isn’t necessarily going to follow in their footsteps. —Katie Mannion, People.com, 4 Dec. 2024

Adjective

Imogene, the preteen leader of the clan, stages a coup by getting cast as Jesus’ mother. —Stephen Humphries, The Christian Science Monitor, 2 Dec. 2024

While adult women may understand clearly the need for self-examination and regular mammograms, the Pink Jet’s striking hot magenta-and-bubblegum paint scheme connects with an equally important segment—girls in their elementary and preteen years. —Julie Boatman, Robb Report, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1938, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1929, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

preteen

1 of 2 noun

pre·​teen ˈprē-ˈtēn 

: 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