toddle — to walk with short unsteady steps, especially as a young child learning to walk
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to walk with short unsteady steps, especially as a young child learning to walk
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈtɑːdl/
Example Sentences
- The penguin seemed to toddle like a gentleman in a tuxedo.
- After three drinks, he began to toddle home instead of walking normally.
- She watched her daughter toddle toward the playground with excitement.
toddle
VERB[/ˈtɑːdl/]
to walk with short unsteady steps, especially as a young child learning to walk
to walk with short unsteady steps, especially as a young child learning to walk
Trying to model but can only toddle and waddle!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Toddle emerged in the 16th century, likely derived from onomatopoeia imitating the sound and manner of walking. The word represents a natural formation to describe the characteristic unsteady gait and vocalizations of infants learning to walk.
Breakdown
The word originates from onomatopoeic formation, mimicking the sounds and movements associated with a small child's unsteady walking pattern rather than from distinct morphological components.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The penguin seemed to toddle like a gentleman in a tuxedo.”
“After three drinks, he began to toddle home instead of walking normally.”
“She watched her daughter toddle toward the playground with excitement.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.