preteenager
Pre-adolescent young person
A preteenager is a child approaching but not yet in the teenage years, typically between nine and twelve.
The term emphasizes the transitional phase before adolescence—old enough to outgrow childhood interests but not yet a teenager.
Often shortened to preteen: The store caters to preteens and their parents.
Sexual development stage
- preadolescenceStage before teenage years
- hormonesBloodstream signaling molecules
- maturationProcess of becoming complete
- milestonesNotable points of progress
Innocent lack of experience
- wonderAmazement or curiosity
- curiosityDesire to learn
- imaginationFaculty for forming ideas
- playfulnessLighthearted, frisky spirit
wide-eyed · trust · simplicity · carefree · gullibility · sheltered · impressionable · unworldly
Voluntary affectionate relationships
- crushesCompresses with force
- cliquesExclusive social groups
- bullyingAggressive repeated intimidation
- popularityMass public favor
sleepovers · texting · drama · gossip · exclusion · belonging
Learning one's true character
- self-consciousnessUncomfortable awareness of oneself
- awkwardnessLack of grace or ease
- self-esteemOne's sense of worth
- insecurityUncertainty about oneself
independence · rebellion · angst · self-expression · individuality · conformity · embarrassment · privacy
Inclined toward fun
- energeticHaving much vigor
- exuberantIntensely lively and cheerful
- livelyAnimated and energetic
- spiritedFull of vim
restless · enthusiastic · active · bouncy · giggly · silly · hyperactive · spontaneous
puberty
Sexual development stage
- preadolescenceStage before teenage years
- hormonesBloodstream signaling molecules
- maturationProcess of becoming complete
naivety
Innocent lack of experience
- wonderAmazement or curiosity
- curiosityDesire to learn
- imaginationFaculty for forming ideas
playfulness · wide-eyed · trust · simplicity · carefree · gullibility · sheltered · impressionable · unworldly · tender
friendships
Voluntary affectionate relationships
popularity · sleepovers · texting · drama · gossip · exclusion · belonging
self-discovery
Learning one's true character
- self-consciousnessUncomfortable awareness of oneself
- awkwardnessLack of grace or ease
- self-esteemOne's sense of worth
insecurity · independence · rebellion · angst · self-expression · individuality · conformity · embarrassment · privacy
playful
Inclined toward fun
spirited · restless · enthusiastic · active · bouncy · giggly · silly · hyperactive · spontaneous · impulsive
preteenagerteenager
Person aged thirteen-nineteen
adult · grown-up · senior citizen · adolescent · teen