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

It got kind of exhausting to tread water or balance on tiptoes while the rest of them planted their feet on the bottom.

From Literature

But the people and animals who lived through the episode still tiptoe across the yard when Hawk is sitting on the woodpile.

From Literature

By the way she tiptoed into the room, she was clearly hoping I was still asleep.

From Literature

I stood on tiptoes in back of her.

From Literature

I slipped on waterproof shoes, grabbed a pair of shears and, still in my pajamas, tiptoed down the grand staircase of the château and out onto the dewy grass of the garden.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• creep
• pussyfoot
• sneak
• steal