Definition

1. Verb:
   • To walk with short, unsteady steps, as a very young child does when first learning to walk.
   • To walk or move in a leisurely, casual, or unsteady manner.

Usage

The verb "toddle" is primarily used to describe the characteristic walking style of a toddler. It implies a lack of balance and coordination, with short, careful steps. It can also be used humorously or affectionately to describe an adult walking in a slow, relaxed, or slightly unsteady way.

Examples

• Describing a child's walk:

  • The one-year-old began to toddle across the living room floor.
  • We watched the baby toddle unsteadily towards her father.

• Describing a casual or unsteady walk (often humorous):

  • After the long meeting, he toddled off to the kitchen for a cup of tea.
  • The old man would toddle down to the park every afternoon.

Advanced Usage

• "to toddle along": To walk or proceed in a slow, casual, or unsteady manner. Often used to describe leaving a place in a leisurely way.
  • The children toddled along behind their parents.
  • It's getting late; I think I'll toddle along home now.

Variants and Related Words

• Toddler (n): A young child who is just learning to walk and moves with toddling steps.
  • The playground is designed for toddlers and preschoolers.

Synonyms

• Totter: To move in a feeble or unsteady way, often implying a greater risk of falling.
• Waddle: To walk with short steps, swaying from side to side, like a duck or a very heavy person.
• Stagger: To walk or move unsteadily, as if about to fall, often due to illness, injury, or intoxication.

Verb

1. walk unsteadily
   • small children toddle