Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Fully developed; having reached maturity: Describes a living being, typically an animal or human, that has completed its physical growth and is now an adult.
   • Having attained full size or maturity: Indicates that something or someone is no longer in a juvenile or immature state.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The zoo only keeps full-grown lions in this enclosure.
  • She is now a full-grown woman capable of making her own decisions.
  • It's important to distinguish between a puppy and a full-grown dog when choosing pet food.

Advanced Usage

• Used figuratively for organizations or systems: While primarily for living beings, it can sometimes describe institutions or concepts that are fully developed or established.
  • The startup has evolved into a full-grown company with international offices.

Variants and Related Words

• Grown-up (adjective or noun): Mature, adult; an adult person. Often used more for humans.
  • She has two grown-up children.
• Adult (adjective or noun): Fully grown and mature. A more common and direct synonym.
  • Adult elephants can weigh several tons.
• Mature (adjective): Fully developed physically, mentally, or emotionally. Has a broader application than "full-grown."
  • The cheese is left to mature for a year.

Synonyms

• Adult
• Mature
• Grown
• Fully-fledged (often for birds or figurative use)

Antonyms

• Immature
• Juvenile
• Underdeveloped
• Young

Adjective

1. (of animals) fully developed
   • an adult animal
   • a grown woman