waddling

A duckling is waddling across the grassy path.

Definition

Noun (derived from the verb waddle): A slow, clumsy, swaying manner of walking, typically associated with short legs and a wide body.

Usage Examples

• (The duck's clumsy, side-to-side walk was amusing.)
• (She observed the child's unsteady, swaying gait.)

Advanced Usage

• "a waddling gait": a specific way of walking characterized by a rocking motion from side to side.
  • The penguin's waddling gait is an adaptation for conserving energy on land. (The penguin's swaying walk helps it move efficiently.)

Variants and Related Words

• Waddle (verb): to walk with short steps and a swaying motion, as if unsteady.
  • The duck waddled across the road. (The duck walked clumsily, rocking from side to side.)
• Waddler (noun): a person or animal that waddles.
  • The baby was a happy waddler in the park. (The baby walked unsteadily with a swaying motion.)

Synonyms

• Swaying: moving slowly from side to side.
• Clumsy: lacking grace or coordination in movement.
• Shuffling: moving with a dragging, unsteady gait.

Related Idioms

• "to waddle like a duck": to walk with a clumsy, side-to-side motion.
  • He waddled like a duck after carrying the heavy box. (He walked awkwardly, swaying from side to side.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Waddle off: to leave or move away with a waddling motion.
  • The penguin waddled off toward the water. (The penguin walked away with a swaying gait.)