What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
kid
Example
The kids were playing in the park. [kids: noun]
Example
He's just a kid, he doesn't know any better. [kid: noun]
Example
The farmer raised a herd of goats, including several kids. [kids: noun]
juvenile
Example
The juvenile was arrested for shoplifting. [juvenile: noun]
Example
The court system has different rules for juveniles and adults. [juvenile: adjective]
Example
The zoo had a new exhibit featuring juvenile elephants. [juvenile: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Kid is more commonly used in everyday language than juvenile, which is more often used in formal or legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between kid and juvenile?
Juvenile is a more formal term than kid and is often used in legal or professional contexts, while kid is more casual and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
