Tiptoe

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈtɪp.toÊŠ/
• Rhymes: -ɪptəʊ

Alternative forms

• tip-toe
• tippytoe, tippy-toe

Origin

tip + toe

Full definition of tiptoe

Noun

1. (usually plural) The tips of one's toes collectively.

Derived terms

• on tiptoe

Adjective

1. Standing elevated, on or as if on the tips of one's toes.
• ShakespeareNight's candles are burnt out, and jocund day
  Stands tiptoe on the misty mountain tops.
• Byronabove the tiptoe pinnacle of glory
2. Moving carefully, quietly, warily or stealthily, on or as if on the tips of one's toes.
• Cowperwith tiptoe step

Verb

1. To walk quietly with only the tips of the toes touching the ground. from late 14th c.
• 1913, Joseph C. Lincoln, Mr. Pratt's Patients Chapter 13, We tiptoed into the house, up the stairs and along the hall into the room where the Professor had been spending so much of his time.

Related terms

• tiptoe around