atiptoe

[ uh-tip-toh ]

adverb

1. standing or walking on tiptoe (usually used predicatively).
2. eagerly expectant, as anticipating a desired event or arrival:

   waiting atiptoe for the mail.

3. moving with caution or stealth, as avoiding calling attention to one's presence:

   She walked atiptoe through the sleeping house.

Word History and Origins

Origin of atiptoe¹

First recorded in 1570–80; a- ¹ + tiptoe

Example Sentences

She actually had her cheek almost against his shoulder, though she had to poise atiptoe to reach him.

From Project Gutenberg