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

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

An older couple was watching a little boy in diapers and a miniature Camp Jupiter shirt toddle after seagulls.

From "The Son of Neptune" by Rick Riordan

Related Words

• totter
• waddle
• wobble