tiptoe

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See also: tip-toe

English[edit]

Alternative forms[edit]

English Wikipedia has an article on:
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Etymology[edit]

From Middle English tipto, typto; equivalent to tip +‎ toe.

Pronunciation[edit]

  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈtɪpˌtəʊ/, [ˈtʰɪpˌtʰəʊ̯]
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈtɪpˌtoʊ/, [ˈtʰɪpˌtʰoʊ̯]
  • (file)
  • (file)
  • Rhymes: -ɪptəʊ

Noun[edit]

tiptoe (plural tiptoes)

  1. (usually in the plural) The tip of the toe.

Usage notes[edit]

Almost exclusively found in the expression on tiptoe or on one's tiptoes.

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Adjective[edit]

tiptoe (not comparable)

  1. Standing elevated, on or as if on the tips of one's toes.
  2. Moving carefully, quietly, warily or stealthily, on or as if on the tips of one's toes.
    • 1782, William Cowper, Expostulation:
      with tiptoe step
    • 1819, Lord Byron, The Prophecy of Dante:
      And stole along on tiptoe tread

Derived terms[edit]

Verb[edit]

tiptoe (third-person singular simple present tiptoes, present participle tiptoeing, simple past and past participle tiptoed)

  1. (intransitive) To walk quietly with only the tips of the toes touching the ground. [from late 14th C.]

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