toddle

American  

[tod-l] / ˈtɒd l /

verb (used without object)

toddled, toddling

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

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noun

1. the act of toddling.

2. an unsteady gait.

toddle British  

/ 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 to stroll; amble

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noun

1. the act or an instance of toddling

Etymology

Origin of toddle

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

Example Sentences

“She had immense power, but she was perfectly happy to toddle around in the kitchen, making everyone coffee and being the grandmother,” Mirren said.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 13, 2023

When she was younger, Malaya Majam-Finch would toddle into the living room of her grandparents’ quaint house in La Mirada and find, essentially, an open-air trophy case.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2023

"Seeing how they were so heavy handed we thought, shall we toddle off to Truro Crown Court and take them to court."

From BBC • May 13, 2022

But at New York Live Arts in Manhattan this weekend, they will be encouraged to crawl, stand, rock, toddle and even lie down.

From New York Times • Nov. 18, 2021

And at dinner each night, Adria would wriggle her way out of her high chair, toddle over to Grandma, climb into her lap, and finish her plate there.

From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles

Related Words

• totter
• waddle
• wobble