waddle
waddle Lexical Profile
waddle Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To walk with short, clumsy steps and a swaying or rocking motion from side to side (typically of a duck, penguin, or short-legged person).
"The family of ducks waddled across the quiet park pathway toward the pond."
• noun
A clumsy, swaying gait characterized by short steps that tilt the body from side to side.
"The penguin's distinctive waddle is actually an energy-efficient way for the bird to move across the ice."
A collective group of penguins when they are on land.
"A large waddle of penguins gathered along the rocky shoreline before diving into the frigid water."
• Rhymes for waddle
Word Origin & Etymology
First recorded in the late 16th century, "waddle" is likely a frequentative form of the Old English verb "wadan" (to wade or go forward), formed with the suffix "-le" to denote repeated, short steps.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.