Adolescence is a transitional stage of physical and psychological development that generally occurs during the period from puberty to adulthood. Learn about the biological, psychological and social aspects of adolescence, such as puberty, hormones, facial hair, menarche and more. ADOLESCENT definition: 1. a young person who is developing into an adult 2. being or relating to an adolescent: 3. used…. Learn more. Adolescent is just a fancy word for teenager — someone who is no longer a child but is not yet an adult. The word can also be used as an adjective. For example, a particular clothing line might be geared toward adolescent girls. Adolescents also increase their peer focus and involvement in peer-related activities, place greater emphasis on social acceptance, and seek more independence and autonomy from parents. —adolescent adj., n.