preschooler

UK: /ˈpriː.skuː.lər/ | US: /ˈpriː.skuː.lər/

Definition

  1. n. a child who attends preschool or is of preschool age (typically between 3 and 5 years old).

Structure
pre <before>school <educational institution>er <person>
Etymology

The word "preschooler" combines three morphemes:

  1. "Pre-" (from Latin prae-, meaning "before") indicates something prior to formal schooling.
  2. "School" (from Old English scōl, derived from Latin schola, meaning "learning institution") refers to the foundational education stage.
  3. "-er" (a common English agent suffix) denotes a person associated with the preceding term.
    The term logically emerged in the 20th century with the formalization of early childhood education, reflecting a societal shift toward structured learning before primary school.
Examples

  1. The preschooler eagerly painted a rainbow during art class.

  2. Most preschoolers learn social skills through play.

  3. Her younger brother is a lively preschooler who loves storytime.

  4. The teacher prepared simple puzzles for the preschoolers.

  5. Parents often observe rapid language development in preschoolers.