Meaning & use

waddle

verb·Everyday

To walk with short steps, swaying from side to side, as a duck or a person carrying something heavy does.

See it in a sentence

The penguin waddled across the ice toward the edge of the water.

Carrying the heavy box, he waddled slowly down the hallway to the kitchen.

A note on using this word

Waddle usually implies a slightly comical, rocking motion, often associated with ducks, geese, or someone off-balance.

Words with a similar meaning

toddlewobble

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. noun

A clumsy, swaying way of walking.

The old dog moved with a stiff waddle as it crossed the yard.

Make it your own

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