At a glance
movementmannerismexpressive
Word page
Waddle
Waddle means to walk with short, side-to-side, swaying steps. It is commonly used for ducks, penguins, toddlers, and people moving in a comically unsteady way.
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
Waddle means to walk with short, side-to-side, swaying steps. It is commonly used for ducks, penguins, toddlers, and people moving in a comically unsteady way.
Why this word feels absurd
Waddle sounds exactly like the movement it describes. The repeated soft sounds make the gait itself seem rounder and sillier.
Origin and history
The word has long been part of English as an expressive motion term. Like many action words, its staying power comes partly from how well it sounds like what it means.
Is this word still used today?
Very much so. Waddle remains common in everyday English, children’s books, animal writing, and humorous description.
Example sentences
- The penguins began to waddle toward the water.
- The toddler gave a determined little waddle across the kitchen.
- He tried to run in the costume but could only waddle.
- The heavy bags made her waddle up the path.
When should you use this word?
Use waddle when you want a vivid and often affectionate picture of short, side-to-side walking.
Similar words
shuffle, totter, sway, hobble, trundle
Opposite or contrasting words
stride, march, glide
Common questions
- What does waddle mean? It means to walk with short swaying steps.
- How do you pronounce waddle? It is commonly pronounced WOD-ul.
- Is waddle still used today? Very much so. Waddle remains common in everyday English, children’s books, animal writing, and humorous description.
- What type of word is waddle? It is usually used as a verb / noun.
- What words are similar to waddle? Similar words include shuffle, totter, sway, hobble.