verb

toddle

TOD-ul/ˈtɑːdl/

To walk with short, unsteady or leisurely steps.

The child begins to toddle with short, unsteady steps.

A toddler takes a short, wobbly independent step, with feet close together in the direction of travel, a wide stance, unevenly raised balancing arms, and a slight sideways lean.

Etymology

Toddle is of uncertain origin, possibly related to totter or a variant influenced by waddle. Its early walking sense already described short, unsteady steps.

In context

Moon and Me14:09

toddle off went Peppe Nana and moonbaby

Lambkin and Little Nana Fly an Airplane ‍✈️ MOON and ME 🌙 Relaxing Bedtime Stories for Kids

More examples

She watched the child toddling across the rug.
We decided to toddle down to the café.
He toddled along at a leisurely pace.

Forms

toddle · toddles · toddled · toddling

Similar words

waddle: Waddle sways side to side; toddle uses short, often unsteady steps.
amble: Amble walks leisurely; toddle can add a playful sense of short or tentative steps.