toddler
12 synonyms for toddler, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A young child, typically between one and three years old, who has just learned to walk.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
little one
small child
ankle-biter
crumb crusher
crumb snatcher
leg biter
preschooler
rugrat
squirt
sproglet
tot
tyke
How to use toddler
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
toddler tantrum
toddler years
a toddler and a baby
Etymology
From the verb "toddle," meaning to walk unsteadily with short, tottering steps, plus the -er suffix — literally "one who toddles."
Full origin of toddler →Frequently asked questions
What does “toddler” mean?
The word “toddler” means a young child, typically between one and three years old, who has just learned to walk. In plain terms, a very young child who has recently started walking but is still a bit unsteady on their feet.
How do you pronounce “toddler”?
“Toddler” is pronounced TOD-luh (/ˈtɑdlɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “toddler” in a sentence?
Here is “toddler” used in a sentence: “The toddler wobbled a few steps before sitting back down.”
What is another word for “toddler”?
Words with a similar meaning to “toddler” include ankle-biter, crumb crusher, crumb snatcher, leg biter, preschooler and rugrat.
What part of speech is “toddler”?
“Toddler” is a noun.
Is “toddler” a common word?
“Toddler” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a toddler and a baby?
A baby generally refers to a child in the first year of life who cannot yet walk, while a toddler is a young child, typically between one and three years old, who has just learned to walk. The term toddler specifically highlights the wobbly, unsteady walking, or toddling, that characterizes this stage.
What is the difference between a toddler and a preschooler?
A toddler is typically between one and three years old and has just learned to walk, while a preschooler is generally an older child, roughly three to five years old, who is closer to starting school. The two stages overlap at the edges but describe different levels of physical and developmental maturity.
Why is the word toddler used specifically for children who have just learned to walk?
Toddler comes from the idea of toddling, the unsteady, short-stepped walking style of a young child who has recently learned to walk. This is why the term is reserved for children roughly one to three years old rather than infants who cannot yet walk or older children who walk steadily.
