TODDLE Meaning and
Definition
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Toddle is a verb that refers to the act of walking unsteadily or clumsily, especially by a young child who is just beginning to walk. It entails a slow and unsteady gait, often characterized by a wobbling or swaying motion. The term is usually employed in relation to children between the ages of one and three when they are transitioning from crawling to walking upright.
When a child toddles, they typically take short, hesitant steps while maintaining a precarious balance. This stage is often viewed as an endearing and memorable milestone in a child's development, as they embark on their journey towards independent mobility. It is common for toddlers to toddle with their arms raised for balance, and they may stumble or lose their footing frequently.
The term "toddle" can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who walks in a clumsy or unsteady manner, similar to that of a toddler. For instance, it may apply to an adult who is recovering from an injury or an elderly person who experiences difficulty in maintaining a stable gait.
In summary, toddle denotes the unsteady, clumsy way in which a child takes their first steps while learning to walk. It encompasses the stage in a child's development where they are transitioning from crawling to walking independently. Additionally, the term can be employed metaphorically to describe a person who walks clumsily or unsteadily due to various factors.
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To walk unsteadily, as a child.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for TODDLE
Etymology of TODDLE
The word "toddle" is believed to have originated from Middle English, specifically from the word "todle" or "todlen" which meant to walk unsteadily or with short, unsteady steps. It is thought to have come from an onomatopoeic source, imitating the sound or rhythm of someone taking small, uncertain steps. Over time, this word evolved into "toddle" in Modern English, maintaining its original meaning of a young child learning to walk.
Idioms with the word TODDLE
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toddle along
The idiom "toddle along" means to walk or move in a leisurely or casual manner, often with a sense of nonchalance or lack of urgency.
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toddle away
The idiom "toddle away" refers to the act of walking or moving away in a slightly unsteady or unsteady manner, often attributed to young children who are learning to walk. It implies a slow, clumsy, or casual departure from a place or situation.
Similar spelling words for TODDLE
Conjugate verb Toddle
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have toddled
you
would have toddled
he/she/it
would have toddled
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would have toddled
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would have toddled
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would have toddle
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would have toddle
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would have toddle
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would have toddle
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been toddling
you
would have been toddling
he/she/it
would have been toddling
we
would have been toddling
they
would have been toddling
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would toddle
you
would toddle
he/she/it
would toddle
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would toddle
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would toddle
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be toddling
you
would be toddling
he/she/it
would be toddling
we
would be toddling
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would be toddling
FUTURE
I
will toddle
you
will toddle
he/she/it
will toddle
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will toddle
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will toddle
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be toddling
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will be toddling
he/she/it
will be toddling
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will be toddling
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will be toddling
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have toddled
you
will have toddled
he/she/it
will have toddled
we
will have toddled
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will have toddled
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been toddling
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will have been toddling
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will have been toddling
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will have been toddling
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will have been toddling
IMPERATIVE
you
toddle
we
let´s toddle
to toddle
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was toddling
you
were toddling
he/she/it
was toddling
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were toddling
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were toddling
PAST PARTICIPLE
toddled
PAST PERFECT
I
had toddled
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had toddled
he/she/it
had toddled
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had toddled
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had toddled
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been toddling
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had been toddling
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had been toddling
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had been toddling
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had been toddling
PRESENT
I
toddle
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toddle
he/she/it
toddles
we
toddle
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toddle
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am toddling
you
are toddling
he/she/it
is toddling
we
are toddling
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are toddling
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
toddling
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have toddled
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have toddled
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has toddled
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have toddled
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have toddled
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been toddling
you
have been toddling
he/she/it
has been toddling
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have been toddling
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have been toddling
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
toddle
SIMPLE PAST
I
toddled
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toddled
