Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

motherese

noun

/ˈmʌðəˌriːz/

Definition

A simplified and exaggerated form of speech used by adults when talking to young children.

Examples

Parents often use motherese to capture their baby’s attention during playtime.
In her speech, she naturally shifted into motherese when talking to her toddler.

Meaning

Motherese refers to the unique way in which parents or caregivers communicate with infants, characterized by a higher pitch, slower tempo, and simplified vocabulary, which helps in the child’s language development.