grow up

verb

grew up; grown up; growing up; grows up

intransitive verb

1
a
: to grow toward or arrive at full stature or physical or mental maturity : to progress from childhood toward adulthood
growing up intellectually
grew up in the city
also : to become an adult
She wants to be a doctor when she grows up.
b
: to stop thinking or behaving in a childish way
He should grow up and accept his responsibilities.
2
: to begin to exist and develop as time passes
A number of cities grew up along the river.

Examples of grow up in a Sentence

everyone has to grow up at some point in their lives
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.
The actress’s pain is infused in the work, which also references graffiti culture that Brody grew up with in New York City. Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 5 Feb. 2025 Clark grew up about three hours north in Des Moines, Iowa, as a Chiefs devotee and would regularly make trips to see family in Kansas City. Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 5 Feb. 2025 Leon grew up in Juan Emilio O’Leary, a farming community not far from the Brazilian border. Jack Lang, The Athletic, 5 Feb. 2025 Even now that they are grown up, family time remains a top priority for the Kodjoes. Emy Lacroix, People.com, 4 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for grow up 

Word History

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of grow up was in 1535

Dictionary Entries Near grow up

Cite this Entry

“Grow up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grow%20up. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

grow up

verb
: to grow toward or reach full mental and physical growth

More from Merriam-Webster on grow up

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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