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

Emergency responders say the toddler's death is a tragic reminder of how dangerous the water is, especially at this time of year when peak water flows are being recorded. —Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 4 June 2026

Rothy’s, Donna Karan Weekend, Ted Baker Men’s and Abercrombie infants and toddler were among the lines added to the assortment. —David Moin, Footwear News, 3 June 2026

Lightweight, sporty and comfortable, these sandals are perfect for toddlers, young children and older kids. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 3 June 2026

Family Akelarre is an adults-forward hotel, designed more for couples and contemplative travelers than for toddlers with energy to burn. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 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