toilet training

American  

noun

1. the training of a very young child to control and regulate bowel and bladder movements and use the toilet.

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toilet training British  

noun

1. the process of teaching young children to control the timing of bladder and bowel movements and to use the lavatory

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Etymology

Origin of toilet training

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

The school says a third of its pupils need help with toilet training when they join nursery, but the school works with parents to ensure they are toilet-trained by the time they reach reception.

From BBC • Sep. 11, 2025

The California Department of Education received so many questions on toilet training last year they clarified their policy: Schools must admit all age-eligible children, regardless of whether they are potty-trained.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 7, 2023

But funding for the project ran out, and Whistance wasn’t convinced that toilet training cows would be practical for farmers or the cattle themselves.

From Science Magazine • Sep. 13, 2021

Frequently in conversation, someone will talk about toilet training their child and say, “I just wasn’t going to have little Pilsner be one of those 5-year-olds still in diapers!”

From Slate • Apr. 22, 2019

“We talked a lot about what you were like as a baby. She said you were very precocious, especially in toilet training and speech.”

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter