Waddled: meaning, definitions and examples

🦆
Add to dictionary

waddled

 

[ ˈwɒdld ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

walking awkwardly

Waddled is the past tense of the verb 'waddle', which refers to a type of walking that involves an unsteady or swaying motion, often associated with certain animals like ducks and penguins. This manner of walking typically involves short steps and a swaying motion of the hips, making the movement appear somewhat clumsy or funny. It can also describe humans, especially when they are burdened or balancing something awkwardly. The term paints a vivid picture of an endearing, albeit comical, mode of locomotion.

Synonyms

ambled, hobbled, swayed

Examples of usage

  • The duck waddled across the road.
  • She waddled back to her seat after the fitness class.
  • The baby waddled toward his mother with arms outstretched.

Translations

Translations of the word "waddled" in other languages:

🇵🇹 andar de forma desajeitada

🇮🇳 लड़खड़ाते हुए चलना

🇩🇪 watscheln

🇮🇩 berjalan terseok-seok

🇺🇦 кульгати

🇵🇱 chodzić chwiejnym krokiem

🇯🇵 よちよち歩く

🇫🇷 marcher en se dandinant

🇪🇸 caminar tambaleándose

🇹🇷 dönerek yürümek

🇰🇷 비틀거리며 걷다

🇸🇦 يمشي ببطء متمايلًا

🇨🇿 vrávorat

🇸🇰 kolísať sa

🇨🇳 摇摆着走

🇸🇮 zibati se

🇮🇸 skakka sér

🇰🇿 шалқайып жүру

🇬🇪 სიცოცლედ სიარული

🇦🇿 yırğalanaraq getmək

🇲🇽 caminar tambaleándose

Word origin

The word 'waddle' originates from the Middle English term 'waddlen', which is derived from an earlier variant 'wadel', meaning to move unsteadily or to walk with short, tottering steps. This term can be traced back to Proto-Germanic roots, which signify a similar action of walking or moving awkwardly. Over time, the connotation has evolved to capture the charming and clumsy movements of certain birds, particularly waterfowl, as they navigate both land and water. The imagery of waddling has become culturally associated with innocence and playfulness, particularly in children's literature and animation, where waddling characters often display endearing qualities.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,290 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.