toddle

[ tod-l ]

verb (used without object)

, tod·dled, tod·dling.

1. to move with short, unsteady steps, as a young child.

noun

1. the act of toddling.
2. an unsteady gait.

toddle

/ ˈtɒdəl /

verb

1. to walk with short unsteady steps, as a child does when learning to walk
2. humorous.
   foll by off to depart
3. humorous.
   foll byround, over, etc to stroll; amble

noun

1. the act or an instance of toddling

Word History and Origins

Origin of toddle¹

First recorded in 1490–1500; to(tter) + (wa)ddle

Word History and Origins

Origin of toddle¹

C16 (Scottish and northern English): of obscure origin

Example Sentences

She watched youngsters toddle toward their futures just as her son had.

From The Daily Beast

Her son was now almost two years old, and beginning to toddle about upon a pair of crooked, thin legs.

From Project Gutenberg

Seeing Robert hesitate, he added, "I shall have a damned deal more respect for you if you toddle."

From Project Gutenberg

He drilled her—kept on at it; he was there twice a day; and every time she had to get out of bed and toddle across the room.

From Project Gutenberg

Mrs. Pryor had just completed this arrangement when a knock at the door made her toddle off to open it.

From Project Gutenberg

Wicked Willie they called me w'en Hi wasn't old enough to toddle halone.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• totter
• waddle
• wobble