waddle

You've probably seen ducks move this way: taking short steps while the body swings from side to side. People can move this way too, especially when wearing thick clothes, carrying something heavy, or trying to keep their balance on a slippery surface. It is not a graceful way to walk, but it gets the job done. Penguins are also famous for moving this way across the ice. Think of a toddler in a big winter coat crossing a hallway. That is a classic example.

The word is often used in a playful way. You might say someone "waddled through the snow" or describe a heavy bird "waddling toward the pond." It usually suggests a slow, slightly awkward walk with short steps and a side-to-side motion.

To waddle means to walk with short steps while swinging from side to side. The movement often looks a little awkward or heavy, and it is usually slower than a normal walk. Ducks and penguins are the most common examples, so the word often brings those animals to mind right away.

People can waddle too. Someone might move this way because they are carrying a heavy bag, wearing bulky clothes, walking in deep snow or sand, or trying to keep their balance on a slippery surface. Small children also sometimes move this way when they are still learning to walk steadily. For example: "She waddled into the kitchen with two full grocery bags."

The word usually paints a clear picture of movement rather than simply saying that someone walked. It suggests short, side-to-side steps, and it is often used in a light or playful tone. In some cases it can sound affectionate, especially when talking about toddlers or birds. In other cases, it simply describes a practical, unsteady way of moving from one place to another.