Waddle

To walk with short steps and a clumsy swaying motion, often from side to side, resembling the gait of a duck or other waterfowl. This characteristic movement often suggests a lack of grace, a struggle for balance, or a humorous awkwardness. The term commonly describes the movement of individuals or animals, indicating a specific manner of locomotion. The action implies a deliberate, though perhaps inefficient, form of progression. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe situations where progress feels slow, laboured, or uneven, reminiscent of the physical act itself.

Waddle meaning with examples

• The penguin, struggling against the icy wind, began to waddle across the Antarctic ice floe, its short legs churning to keep its balance. It was a comical, yet determined sight, as the bird slowly made its way toward the promised fishing ground. Its journey was slow and filled with side-to-side movement, perfectly describing what a waddle truly is.
• After a particularly large Thanksgiving dinner, my grandfather would waddle from the dining room to the living room, patting his full stomach with a satisfied grin. His slow, swaying walk was a predictable ritual, often accompanied by satisfied groans and a search for the nearest armchair for the necessary post-meal nap.
• Covered in a blanket and with a belly full of food, the toddler continued to waddle across the carpet. Her chubby legs and round body, wobbled in the attempt to make each step, but her enthusiasm was evident in the process. Each footstep seemed to propel her even further toward the other side of the room where her favorite toy lay in wait.
• The old dog, suffering from arthritis, could only waddle slowly around the park. His once-graceful strides had become a labored, side-to-side shuffle, a stark reminder of the passage of time and the limitations of age. He continued to waddle, though he appeared tired, but the enjoyment in his eyes remained unchanged.