toddler

[ tod-ler ]

noun

1. a person who toddles, especially a young child learning to walk.

toddler

/ ˈtɒdlə /

noun

1. a young child, usually one between the ages of one and two and a half
2. modifier designed or suitable for a toddler

   toddler suits

Derived Forms

• ˈtoddlerˌhood, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of toddler¹

First recorded in 1785–95; toddle + -er ¹

Example Sentences

In at least one facility, it was reported that 10-year-old girls were taking care of toddlers who may or may not have been related to them.

From Salon

“How sad is it that we are living in a community where parents have to tell their toddlers that they can’t go outside and play because it’s bad outside?”

From Los Angeles Times

The first Christmas after my divorce, I handed my toddler daughter to her father without complaint.

From Salon

Her husband is traveling for work for days at a time, and she has given up her successful career as an artist to care for their sleep-resistant toddler.

From New York Times

Deputies determined that before the shooting, the toddler and his 7-year-old brother were inside a truck when the older child found a firearm in the glove box.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• child
• infant
• kid
• youngster