Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
developmental milestone
Specific skills or behaviors that most children achieve by certain ages.
Full Definition
Developmental milestones are measurable skills or behaviors that most children can demonstrate by specific ages, used to assess normal growth and development. These include motor skills (sitting, walking), language development (first words, sentences), cognitive abilities (problem-solving, memory), and social-emotional skills (smiling, playing with others). Pediatricians use milestone tracking to identify potential developmental delays and determine if early intervention services are needed.
Usage
Usage note: Use singular 'milestone' when referring to one specific achievement.
In Context
- "The 18-month-old has achieved all expected developmental milestones for her age." — Pediatric assessment report
- "Parents should discuss concerns about missed developmental milestones with their pediatrician." — Patient education material
Also known as
developmental marker
growth milestone
Contrasted with
developmental delay
Don't confuse with
growth chart
developmental screening