What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
waddle
Example
The ducklings waddled behind their mother in a straight line. [waddled: past tense]
Example
Due to his sprained ankle, he had to waddle to the car. [waddle: verb]
waggle
Example
The puppy wagged its tail excitedly when it saw its owner. [wagged: past tense]
Example
She wagged her finger at him, scolding him for his behavior. [wagged: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Waddle is more commonly used than waggle in everyday language, especially when describing animal behavior. Waggle is less common and is usually used in specific contexts, such as describing a dog's tail or a finger gesture.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between waddle and waggle?
Both waddle and waggle are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts.
