tiptoe

[tip-toh]

noun

1. the tip or end of a toe.

verb (used without object)

tiptoed, tiptoeing 

1. to move or go on tiptoe, as with caution or stealth.

   She tiptoed out of the room.

adjective

1. characterized by standing or walking on tiptoe.

2. straining upward.

3. eagerly expectant.

4. cautious; stealthy.

adverb

1. eagerly or cautiously; on tiptoe.

tiptoe

/ ˈtɪpˌtəʊ /

verb

1. to walk with the heels off the ground and the weight supported by the ball of the foot and the toes

2. to walk silently or stealthily

noun

1. 1. on the tips of the toes or on the ball of the foot and the toes

   2. eagerly anticipating something

   3. stealthily or silently

adverb

1. on tiptoe

adjective

1. walking or standing on tiptoe

2. stealthy or silent

Word History and Origins

Origin of tiptoe¹

1350–1400; Middle English tiptoon (plural noun). See tip ¹, toe

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. on tiptoe,

   1. on the tips of one's toes.

   2. expectant; eager.

      With Christmas coming, the children were on tiptoe.

   3. stealthily; cautiously.

      The concert had already begun, so he entered the back of the hall on tiptoe.

see on tiptoe.

Example Sentences

Instead, she tiptoes along the basement wall, having adopted a battle stance I’ve seen in the shonen manga she loves to read.

Read more on Literature

Penelope switched to an extra-silent tiptoe, but it was too late.

Read more on Literature

Meanwhile, the boys wrapped blankets ’round themselves as dresses and tiptoed here and there, speaking in high voices and pretending to be Swanburne girls.

Read more on Literature

Lady Constance tiptoed backward in horror until her back was pressed flat against the wall.

Read more on Literature

Even as Mr. Roberts warned Monday about antisemitism on “far fringes of the right,” he remained on his tiptoes when it came to Mr. Carlson, who launders Jew-loathing to the mainstream.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• creep 
• pussyfoot 
• sneak 
• steal