nine-year-old

UK: naɪn jɪər əʊld | US: naɪn jɪr oʊld

Definition

  1. adj. describing someone or something that is nine years in age

  2. n. a person or animal that is nine years old

Structure
nine <the number 9>year <period of 365 days>old <aged>
Etymology

The term "nine-year-old" is a straightforward compound adjective/noun formed by combining the cardinal number "nine," the unit of time "year," and the adjective "old." This structure follows a common English pattern for age description (e.g., "five-year-old," "ten-year-old"). The hyphenation ensures clarity, treating the phrase as a single modifier or noun. The logic is transparent: it literally means "having nine years of age."

Examples

  1. My nine-year-old brother loves playing soccer.

  2. The shelter adopted out a nine-year-old dog last week.

  3. This book is perfect for a nine-year-old.

  4. She teaches a class of nine-year-olds.

  5. The nine-year-old tree in our backyard finally bore fruit.