waddle

[ wod-l ]

verb (used without object)

, wad·dled, wad·dling.

1. to walk with short steps, swaying or rocking from side to side, as a duck.
2. to move in any similar, slow, rocking manner; wobble:

   The ship waddled into port.

noun

1. an act or instance of waddling, especially a waddling gait.

waddle

/ ˈwɒdəl /

verb

1. to walk with short steps, rocking slightly from side to side

noun

1. a swaying gait or motion

Derived Forms

• ˈwaddling, adjective
• ˈwaddly, adjective
• ˈwaddler, noun

Other Words From

• waddler noun
• waddling·ly adverb
• waddly adjective
• un·waddling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of waddle¹

1350–1400; Middle English; wade, -le; compare German watteln

Word History and Origins

Origin of waddle¹

C16: probably frequentative of wade

Example Sentences

Afterward, she waddles through the ring-side seating in her white and pink sparkly sneakers.

From Los Angeles Times

He is often drawn to physically resemble a penguin, dressed in a formal suit with a long birdlike nose, shuffling with a bit of a waddle.

From Los Angeles Times

There are also jobs for truffle hunters, "wine whisperers" and wombat walkers willing to take the marsupials "on their morning waddle".

From BBC

He was a pleasant, waddling man, who never shouted or hit anyone.

From Literature

Meryl, whose gait is more waddle than walk, is particularly drawn to people with canes, wheelchairs or walkers.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• toddle
• totter
• wiggle
• wobble