sexual development

noun

UK /ˈsekʃuəl dɪˈveləpmənt/

US /ˈsekʃuəl dɪˈveləpmənt/

The way a person's body changes as they grow up and become an adult.

Puberty is an important part of sexual development.

SYNONYMS

puberty physical maturation growth into adulthood reproductive maturation

RELATED WORDS

puberty adolescence hormones growth maturation

OTHER MEANINGS

2. The process by which reproductive organs and features become fully formed and functional.

Doctors monitor sexual development during regular check-ups.

3. The stages of physical change that happen during the teenage years.

The class learned about sexual development in health education.

4. The biological changes that prepare the body for reproduction.

Hormones play a key role in sexual development.