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Waddle: meaning, definitions and examples

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waddle

 

[ ˈwädəl ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

movement style

To waddle means to walk with short steps and a clumsy swaying motion, typically associated with certain animals, such as ducks or penguins. This style of walking is characterized by the body swaying from side to side.

Synonyms

amble, shuffle, sway

Examples of usage

  • The duck waddled across the road.
  • The toddler waddled towards her mother.
  • Penguins waddle when they move on land.
Context #2 | Noun

movement style

Waddle can also refer to the specific manner in which an animal or person walks in a waddling style. It often describes an endearing or humorous way of moving slow or clumsy.

Synonyms

wiggle, wobble

Examples of usage

  • I love the waddle of baby ducks.
  • Her waddle made everyone laugh.
  • The penguin's adorable waddle is famous.

Translations

Translations of the word "waddle" in other languages:

🇵🇹 andar de forma desengonçada

🇮🇳 लड़खड़ाना

🇩🇪 watscheln

🇮🇩 berjalan terseok-seok

🇺🇦 качати

🇵🇱 chodzić chwiejnym krokiem

🇯🇵 よちよち歩く

🇫🇷 marcher en balançant

🇪🇸 caminar de manera tambaleante

🇹🇷 sendeleyerek yürümek

🇰🇷 비틀거리며 걷다

🇸🇦 يمشي بتعثر

🇨🇿 klopýtat

🇸🇰 kymácať sa

🇨🇳 摇摆走

🇸🇮 hoditi se

🇮🇸 vaggandi

🇰🇿 шаршып жүру

🇬🇪 ჩანთას ატარება

🇦🇿 sallaq-sallaq getmək

🇲🇽 caminar tambaleándose

Etymology

The word 'waddle' originates from the Middle English word 'wadlen', which is a frequentative form of 'wad', meaning 'to move back and forth'. Etymologically, it traces back further to the Old English 'wadian', meaning 'to wade', and reflects an action involving movement in a lightweight or shallow water environment. Over time, the meaning shifted more towards a specific type of unsteady walking. The association with short-legged animals like ducks and penguins solidified its use in describing both animal and human movement. The term gained popularity in the late 19th century as a playful descriptor, often used in children's literature and cartoons, presenting waddle as a lighthearted and funny way of moving.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,076, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.