teeter

[tee-ter]

verb (used without object)

1. to move unsteadily.

2. to ride a seesaw; teetertotter.

verb (used with object)

1. to tip (something) up and down; move unsteadily.

noun

1. a seesaw motion; wobble.

2. a seesaw; teetertotter.

teeter

/ ˈtiːtə /

verb

1. to move or cause to move unsteadily; wobble

noun

1. another word for seesaw

Word History and Origins

Origin of teeter¹

1835–45; variant of dial. titter, Middle English titeren < Old Norse titra tremble; cognate with German zittern to tremble, quiver

Word History and Origins

Origin of teeter¹

C19: from Middle English titeren, related to Old Norse titra to tremble, Old High German zittarōn to shiver

Example Sentences

Shedding allies, the LGBTQ+ coalition teeters on the tail of this recent Quiet Pride, with public institutions that have been loudly supportive in the recent past intimidated into whispers, or all-out silence.

From Salon

In May, he angrily dismissed a suggestion he was a clown, referencing a report which said he was "teetering between hero and clown" before the Europa League final.

From BBC

Then, teetering on a step stool, I slipped the box onto the top shelf of the hall closet, right behind the Christmas wrap and the three urns containing the ashes of my dead dogs.

From Los Angeles Times

Lady Gaga is also teetering around on crutches, cavorting with zombies and crossing the River Styx.

From BBC

Freed by two tuxedoed roadies, the pop star teeters to her microphone in a black sequinned ball gown and does the worst thing a performer can do - plays a brand new song.

From BBC

Related Words

• dangle 
• falter 
• flutter 
• lurch 
• reel 
• seesaw 
• stagger 
• stumble 
• totter 
• tremble 
• waver