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

As I head back to the car, I look up and watch the old folks slowly waddle to a nearby building for shelter.

From The Daily Beast

That fact can be confirmed by standing on any street corner in any city of the country and watching Americans waddle by.

From The Daily Beast

One of them got a small ear in its bill and started away on a swift waddle with the rest of the flock trailing behind.

From Project Gutenberg

All the duck-kind waddle; divers and auks walk as if fettered, and stand erect on their tails: these are the compedes of Linnæus.

From Project Gutenberg

His very walk, for all his drills, was the ponderous waddle of the stage rustic.

From Project Gutenberg

Very fat people waddle when they walk, though few of them realize it.

From Project Gutenberg

Corey seemed to prick up his ears, and began to waddle rapidly toward the entrance.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• toddle
• totter
• wiggle
• wobble