toddle

[ tod-l ]
See synonyms for toddle on Thesaurus.com
verb (used without object),tod·dled, tod·dling.
  1. to move with short, unsteady steps, as a young child.

noun
  1. the act of toddling.

  2. an unsteady gait.

Origin of toddle

1
First recorded in 1490–1500; to(tter) + (wa)ddle

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use toddle in a sentence

  • Shy kisses were dropped on Bobby's head by toddling bairns, and awkward caresses by rough laddies.

    Greyfriars Bobby | Eleanor Atkinson
  • With a peevish sort of interest he watched his little nephew toddling about the room, but did not address a word to the child.

    In the Year of Jubilee | George Gissing
  • And now evening was come, and soon would come Aglaia with flying colours, toddling across the road to take him home to supper.

    Sixes and Sevens | O. Henry

British Dictionary definitions for toddle

toddle

/ (ˈtɒdəl) /


verb(intr)
  1. to walk with short unsteady steps, as a child does when learning to walk

  2. (foll by off) jocular to depart

  1. (foll by round, over, etc) jocular to stroll; amble

noun
  1. the act or an instance of toddling

Origin of toddle

1
C16 (Scottish and northern English): of obscure origin

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012