babble word

plural babble words · alternative babble-word

1. A phonemically basic word, one which is easy for small children to pronounce and which therefore tends to be produced by them early on; a word from baby talk.

   Holonyms: babble, child language, childspeak; baby talk (child-directed speech)

   4 more examples

   The first primitive bi-syllabic babble words of the 'mama', 'dada', 'baba' variety are the product of a near approximation of simple words in the language environment, and are reinforced by delighted parental response.

   1974, Philip Barker, The residential psychiatric treatment of children, page 209

   Jesus called God "Abba," a word that originated as a "babble word" originally used by little children but later adopted as an affectionate and respectful way by which adult children also spoke to their fathers.

   1986, Sandra Marie Schneiders, Women and the Word: The Gender of God in the New Testament, →ISBN

   As such a babble word, it really translates into English as "papa" or "dada" or some other equivalent. Every language has these little words that children use before they can really speak, […]

   2010, When You Pray: Daily Practices for Prayerful Living, →ISBN

   Label the bear “Teddy” aloud to confirm his babble word. Smile and express your pride as you bring over Teddy.

   2011, Samantha Ettus, The Experts' Guide to the Baby Years, →ISBN

   Synonyms: Lallwort