nursery rhyme

American  

noun

1. a short, simple poem or song for very young children, as Hickory Dickory Dock.

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nursery rhyme British  

noun

1. a short traditional verse or song for children, such as Little Jack Horner

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Etymology

Origin of nursery rhyme

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

They were dressed alike and appeared to be twins; their mother entertained them with a variety of rattles, plush toys, nursery rhymes, games of peek-a-boo, and amusing little songs about farm animals.

From Literature

Guibert wells with pride when I ask her about bringing up a rock legend in a Latino household; she and her mother sang nursery rhymes to young Jeff in Spanish.

From Los Angeles Times

Parents might read nursery rhymes, a powerful tool that teaches children rhymes they remember throughout their lives, she said.

From Los Angeles Times

The nursery rhyme that goes “Ladybird, ladybird, fly away home, your house is on fire, your children are gone” cruelly repeated in my head.

From Los Angeles Times

It all took its toll: our fussy baby, the constant nursery rhymes, and getting lost as Waze tried to help us avoid traffic.

From BBC

Related Words

• cadence
• poem
• poetry
• rhythm
• tune
• verse