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

Explanation

When you toddle, you wobble a bit on your legs as you walk. It's most common to see very small children toddle around. A baby who's just learned how to walk can be said to toddle, staggering a little on short legs. The littlest kids at preschool still tend to toddle around their classroom, somewhat unsteady on their feet. The verb toddle comes from a Scottish word whose origin isn't known — the earliest meaning was "to play." The noun toddler comes from toddle, and it means "child just learning to walk."

Example Sentences

In the same business park as the cafe, Abigail Grant-Williams is the director of the Tots' Clubhouse nursery, where children toddle about chasing bubbles in the sensory garden.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2023

Beckham watched his son, Zydn, toddle outside an auditorium before he walked in.

From Washington Post • Apr. 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

Soon the field was empty, except for Ribby the Redband Trout, whom I watched toddle in wide, pointless circles near third base — not fully performing anymore, but not exactly taking a break.

From New York Times • Sep. 21, 2021

I bet she’s been tossing around axes since she could toddle.

From "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins

Related Words

• totter
• waddle
• wobble