# toddler

/ˈtɑdɫɝ/ (US) · /tˈɒdlɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/toddler
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. young child

noun · CEFR B1

a young child who has recently learned to walk, usually between one and three years old.

For teachers: a child in the early stage of development, specifically between infancy and preschool age, who is beginning to walk independently.

- The toddler took a few shaky steps across the living room before falling down.
- Parents often find the toddler years challenging as children begin to assert their independence while still lacking refined motor control and emotional regulation.

Usage: often used to describe the specific needs or behaviors of children in this age group.

Teaching tip: Learners often confuse 'toddler' with 'baby' (infant) or 'child' (general); emphasize that 'toddler' specifically refers to the walking-learning stage.

## Examples

- The toddler is playing with wooden blocks on the floor.
- The park has a separate play area designed specifically for toddlers to ensure they can play safely away from older children.
- Child psychologists often study the transition from infancy to the toddler years, focusing on the rapid acquisition of language and the development of independent motor skills.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.