verb
waddle
WOD-uhl
Waddle (verb) means to walk with short steps, rocking from side to side. Example: “The penguin waddled across the ice toward the water.”
verb
1
To walk with short steps, rocking from side to side.
"The penguin waddled across the ice toward the water."
"She waddled awkwardly in her heels after a long night out."
noun
1
A swaying, short-stepped way of walking.
"You could recognise him from his distinctive waddle."
How to use waddle
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo walk with a rocking, side-to-side motion, like a duck.
Common pairings
waddle across
penguin waddle
waddle along
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Word forms
- Plural
- waddles
- Third person singular
- waddles
- Past tense
- waddled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The penguin _____ across the ice toward the water.
Etymology
From Middle English "wadelen", a repeated-action form of "waden" (to wade) — the same root as "wade" plus a frequentative ending.
Related words
Rhymes for waddle
See all rhymes for waddle →Frequently asked questions
What does “waddle” mean?
The word “waddle” means to walk with short steps, rocking from side to side. In plain terms, to walk with a rocking, side-to-side motion, like a duck.
How do you pronounce “waddle”?
“Waddle” is pronounced WOD-uhl (/ˈwɑd.əl/ in IPA).
How do you use “waddle” in a sentence?
Here is “waddle” used in a sentence: “The penguin waddled across the ice toward the water.”
What part of speech is “waddle”?
Depending on how it is used, “waddle” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “waddle” come from?
The word “waddle” comes from Middle English. From Middle English "wadelen", a repeated-action form of "waden" (to wade) — the same root as "wade" plus a frequentative ending.
How many meanings does “waddle” have?
“Waddle” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to walk with short steps, rocking from side to side.
