What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tot
Example
The tot took his first steps today. [tot: noun]
Example
She's such a cute little tot, always curious about everything around her. [tot: adjective]
toddler
Example
The toddler stumbled a bit but managed to walk across the room. [toddler: noun]
Example
He's a very active toddler, always exploring and getting into things. [toddler: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Toddler is more commonly used than tot in everyday language, as it is a more versatile term that covers a broader range of developmental stages and abilities.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tot and toddler?
Both tot and toddler are generally informal terms, but toddler may be slightly more neutral and appropriate for formal contexts.
