Etymology Map
Back to all words

Juvenile

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means relating to young people

Where does the word "juvenile" come from? It comes from Latin juvenilis, adopted directly into English (1620s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
juvenilis
Latin · ancient
"youthful"
from 'juvenis', young
2
Stage 2 of 2
juvenile
English · 1620s
"youthful"
'juvenile delinquent' dates from the 1810s
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom
Read the full story

Juvenile’s story begins in Latin: juvenilis meant “youthful.” From 'juvenis', young. It reached English by 1620s as juvenile. 'juvenile delinquent' dates from the 1810s. Today, juvenile means relating to young people.