An adult is an individual who has reached the age of majority. The age of majority refers to the age at which a person will be defined by law to be an adult. This will be accompanied by the rights and responsibilities of adulthood. The age of majority varies from state by state and from country to country. Most countries have set the age of 18 being the age of majority. However, it is important to note that this is not the case in all countries. Similarly, this varies in the US from state to state. Most states have set the age of 18 as the age of majority. However, Nebraska (§43-2101) and Alabama have set 19 as the age of majority. Mississippi is the only state which has set the age of majority at 21 (S1-3-27).
[Last updated in November of 2021 by the Wex Definitions Team]
