waddle

Everyday

1. To walk with short steps, swaying from side to side, like a duck or penguin. tree →
2. (noun) A swaying walk like this: the toddler walked with a funny waddle. tree →

In the lessons

Used in stories and science about animals: ducks, geese and penguins waddle because their legs are short and set far back. It can describe a toddler, or someone walking in heavy clothes. Said of a person it can be teasing or rude, so be kind with it. Phrases: waddle along, waddle off, waddle down to the water.

Examples

• The ducks waddled down to the pond. tree →
• Penguins waddle across the ice, then slide on their bellies. tree →
• The toddler waddled after the ball. tree →
• In my big snowsuit I could only waddle. tree →
• The goose waddled towards us and honked. tree →
• A row of ducklings waddled behind their mother. tree →
• The fat old cat waddled to its bowl. tree →
• When it had said this the duck waddled off again. tree →

Note

Regular verb: waddled, waddling (double d, drop the e). Do not confuse with "wade" (walk through water) or "wobble" (shake unsteadily). Calling a person's walk a waddle can be unkind.