This article reviews current research concerning normal and language-disordered children’s understanding of metaphors, similes, idioms and proverbs. The developmental studies reviewed suggest that figurative language comprehension emerges in early adolescence and becomes refined through adolescence into adulthood. Although the data regarding language-disordered children’s comprehension of figurative language are limited, research reveals that they exhibit difficulty in understanding various figurative language forms. Tests and materials which can be used to assess figurative language ability are suggested and strategies for intervention are highligh