toddler

noun

tod·​dler ˈtäd-lər How to pronounce toddler (audio)
ˈtä-dᵊl-ər
plural toddlers
: a person who toddles
especially : a young child usually between one and three years old
It's no secret that kids need plenty of sleep. For a preschooler (3 to 5 years old), that's as much as 11 to 13 hours, including naps; for a toddler (1 to 3), 12 to 14 hours; for a baby under 1, 14 to 15 hours. Stacey Colino
toddlerhood
ˈtäd-lər-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce toddler (audio)
ˈtä-dᵊl-ər-
noun

Examples of toddler in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The presence on the bill of young Austin rock quarter Die Spitz reinforced the multi-generational vibes, as grizzled punks could be seen banging heads and pumping their fists right alongside headphone-wearing toddlers hoisted high on their parents’ shoulders. Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 17 Mar. 2024 The last thing Whitney Smith told her mother before a tornado ripped through their church was to not let her toddler son go. Sarah Nelson, The Indianapolis Star, 15 Mar. 2024 While most of the photos the proud mother shared featured the two toddlers, Brittany also shared one photo of Patrick, 28, playing with their son Bronze. Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024 Also, the size of this table set is better suited for preschoolers than toddlers. Samantha McIntyre, Parents, 9 Mar. 2024 From Key Largo to the southernmost point in the nation, there are endless opportunities to keep parents, teens, and even toddlers smiling. Miami Staff, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2024 Among the attractions are a Ninja running course, dodgeball, a zipline, a competitive playground, a trampoline basketball dunk area, as well as activities for smaller children and toddlers. George Avalos, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2024 Missing Hiker in New Jersey Found Safe After Being Seen on Ring Camera: 'A Positive Resolution' The toddler returned home uninjured, according to SHAES. Abigail Adams, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024 The father called 911 to report his vehicle and his toddler daughter were missing. Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'toddler.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of toddler was in 1815

Dictionary Entries Near toddler

Cite this Entry

“Toddler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toddler. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

toddler

noun
tod·​dler ˈtäd-lər How to pronounce toddler (audio)
-ᵊl-ər
: a young child
toddlerhood noun

More from Merriam-Webster on toddler

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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