Waddle
In short
A waddle is a short, swaying gait characterised by side-to-side movement of the body.
In plain words
It happens when an animal or person moves their weight from one side to the other with every step. This often occurs because the legs are positioned far apart or the body is heavy.
A simple example
A penguin moves across the ice using a waddle to keep its balance. A duck also uses this movement when walking on land.
Why it matters
Understanding gait helps scientists study how animals move and how their bodies are built. It can also indicate health issues in humans or pets.
Easy to mix up
It is often confused with a shuffle, which is a sliding movement without lifting the feet.