How many words do children typically have in their vocabulary by 24-36 months?

By the age of 24 to 36 months, children typically have a vocabulary of about 1,000 words. This period is known as the "language explosion," where significant growth in vocabulary occurs as children start to express themselves more clearly and grasp the meanings of many words. During this developmental stage, children begin to combine words into simple sentences, reflecting their understanding of language and their growing ability to communicate their needs and thoughts.

Understanding this milestone is crucial for recognizing typical language development in early childhood, as it helps parents and professionals assess a child's communicative progress. The vocabulary growth seen in this timeframe supports cognitive and social development and lays the foundation for literacy skills that will emerge as children approach preschool age.