toddler

noun

tod·​dler ˈtä-dᵊl-ər 

ˈtäd-lər

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

ˈtä-dᵊl-ər-ˌhu̇d 

ˈtäd-lər-

noun

Examples of toddler in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Connecting rooms are available, but the compact bedrooms and hectic Damrak setting make the hotel better suited to families with older children than those travelling with toddlers. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026

In Judge Monica Neuman’s court, a toddler with braids walked in between the rows of benches and dropped milk on the carpet. — Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026

Rosado said her toddler, who has significant developmental and respiratory issues, requires treatments multiple times a week. — Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026

Elementary-age kids can create with a Play-Doh travel set, while toddlers can color in their favorite Bluey characters without making a mess. — Anja Webb, Parents, 15 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

toddler

noun

tod·​dler ˈtäd-lər 

-ᵊl-ər

: a young child

toddlerhood

-ˌhu̇d 

noun