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July 27, 2026Sources cited
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Kids

Kids are children or young people, generally meaning human beings who have not yet reached adulthood.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Kids are children or young people, generally meaning human beings who have not yet reached adulthood. The term is also used informally as a synonym for children in everyday English. In some contexts, “kids” may refer more broadly to young people, but its core meaning is childhood rather than a formal legal category.

Meaning and usage

“Kids” is commonly used in English as an informal plural noun meaning children. It appears in family, school, and everyday contexts and is usually less formal than “children.”

Age range

The word does not define a fixed age range. Its meaning depends on context, but it generally refers to people from infancy through adolescence, short of legal adulthood.

Social and cultural context

The term is widely used in casual speech and popular culture, including references to children’s media, education, and family life. Its informality makes it common but less precise than technical terms.

Canadian context

The word is common in Canadian English and appears frequently in family, school, and media contexts across Canada.

Key facts

  • “Kids” is an informal English word for children.
  • It usually refers to humans who have not yet reached adulthood.
  • The word is common in spoken English and casual writing.
  • In some contexts, it can include teenagers, depending on the speaker and situation.
  • It is not a precise legal or medical classification.
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Canadian context

The word is common in Canadian English and appears frequently in family, school, and media contexts across Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What does “kids” mean?
“Kids” is an informal word for children or young people.
Is “kids” the same as “children”?
Yes, in everyday use it usually means the same thing, but “children” is more formal.
Does “kids” refer to adults?
No, it normally refers to people who have not reached adulthood.
Is “kids” a legal term?
No, it is an informal term and does not set a legal age category.
Can “kids” include teenagers?
Sometimes, depending on context, speakers may use it broadly to include adolescents.

References

  1. Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/kid
    Supports: Defines kid as an informal word for a child.
  2. Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kid
    Supports: Defines kid as a child or young person and notes informal usage.