What does youngster mean?
A youngster is a young person, most commonly a child or teenager. The word is widely understood in both British and American English and appears in ordinary conversation, journalism, and descriptions of community life. It often carries a friendly, slightly old-fashioned tone: calling a child "a little youngster" generally sounds affectionate, while describing an adult as a "youngster" may imply that the person is immature or inexperienced. Youngster can also refer to someone's young offspring, as in "their youngest youngster," though this use is less common. The term is distinct from more specific words such as child, teenager, and adolescent, since it does not reliably indicate a precise age. Its interest lies partly in its formation: the familiar word young is joined to the suffix -ster, which was historically associated with agents, occupations, or characteristic roles. Although "youngster" can sound quaint in formal writing, it remains a natural and recognizable term for a young person.
nounA young person, especially a child or adolescent. It can also refer to a person's young offspring.
- A child, teenager, or otherwise young person.
- A person's young offspring.
"The neighbourhood youngster offered to show us the best place for swimming."
"Several youngsters were waiting for the bus after school."
"Her youngster had just learned to ride a bicycle."
The regular plural is formed by adding -s.
"The youngsters put on a play for their families."
Youngster literally says it: it is a young person, with the old agent suffix -ster added to young.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does youngster come from?
Youngster was formed in English in the late sixteenth century by combining young with the suffix -ster. The first element continues Old English ġeong, meaning young or youthful, which was inherited from Proto-Germanic. The suffix -ster was an old agent-forming element also seen in words such as songstress, although its modern use in youngster is largely lexical rather than occupational. English has several other creations or relatives associated with the same youthful root, including younker, youth, and youthful.
How youngster is actually used
The word is informal and often friendly or mildly affectionate. When used of teenagers or adults, however, it can sound patronizing or belittling.
Easily confused with youngster
"Youngster" names a young person, whereas "younger" is the comparative adjective meaning more advanced in age.