teeter
Americanverb (used without object)
-
to move unsteadily.
-
to ride a seesaw; teetertotter.
verb (used with object)
noun
-
a seesaw motion; wobble.
-
a seesaw; teetertotter.
verb
noun
Etymology
Origin of teeter
1835–45; variant of dial. titter, Middle English titeren < Old Norse titra tremble; cognate with German zittern to tremble, quiver
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The prime minister's position was teetering a few days ago and the meeting was another attempt to shore up support among his MPs.
From BBC
He believes he has nothing to hide and, with the prime minister's premiership teetering, he needs to quickly minimise doubts among potential supporters on the backbenches.
From BBC
The government is teetering - and how long the prime minister now lasts is a live, legitimate and open question.
From BBC
Her ashen hair sits in a quivering pile atop her head and her spectacles, if not teetering on the end of her sniffer, hang from a sterling chain to rest upon her ample bosom.
From Literature
He teetered a bit on his toes, then caught himself with the heel of his right hand, messing up part of the work he’d just done.
From Literature
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
