tiptoe

American  

[tip-toh] / ˈtɪpˌtoʊ /

noun

1. the tip or end of a toe.

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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.

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.

tiptoe British  

/ 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

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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

tiptoe More Idioms  

1. see on tiptoe.

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Etymology

Origin of tiptoe

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

Example Sentences

Mal had to stand on tiptoe and hold on to the windowsill to see.

From Literature

We tiptoe out of the closet and Colin inspects the flat.

From Literature

Then I take off the key I carry on a string around my neck, lock our apartment, and hold Boo’s hand as we tiptoe down the stairs.

From Literature

I just press my hand lightly on her shoulder and tiptoe out of the room.

From Literature

I tiptoe into the courtyard in my nightgown.

From Literature

Related Words

• creep
• pussyfoot
• sneak
• steal