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

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

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

So, with Shakespeare in the park, I get to watch some grown-up play pretend while my kid gets to toddle around in the grass and daydream about whatever toddlers daydream about.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 3, 2021

He picked up Rabbit, who could toddle about, and kissed him, too.

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes

Related Words

• totter
• waddle
• wobble