preschooler

[ pree-skoo-ler ]

noun

1. a child below the official school starting age, usually a child up to age five.

Word History and Origins

Origin of preschooler¹

First recorded in 1945–50; preschool + -er ¹

Example Sentences

An instinct for third-party punishment appears early in life—think of preschoolers tattling on classmates who have broken a rule or taken a toy from someone else—but just how early has been unclear.

From Time

Huntsberry followed that up Friday afternoon, revealing that officials are not willing to tell parents why they thought they needed to interview preschoolers about the preschools’ policy.

From Voice of San Diego

Aspen Leaf previously had a policy in place not to mask its students, despite a state mandate that required preschoolers to wear masks except when they were sleeping and eating.

From Voice of San Diego

My story of caring for newborn twins and a preschooler with no paid leave through a global pandemic doesn’t matter.

From Time

No matter what’s going on in the background—whether it’s my preschooler’s not-so-quiet “quiet playtime,” or the endless blaring of airport announcements—this gadget always makes it easy to get the most out of my irregular working hours.

From Popular-Science

Parenting a preschooler is hard (believe me, I know), and it takes a lot of time, energy, and forbearance to do it right.

From The Daily Beast

The typical preschooler now sees about three fast-food ads on television every day.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• child
• infant
• kid
• youngster