# tiptoe

/ˈtɪpˌtoʊ/ (US) · /tˈɪptəʊ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tiptoe
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

to walk very quietly on the front part of your feet, so you do not make noise or wake someone.

For teachers: to walk or move quietly on the balls of the feet with the heels raised, typically to avoid making noise or being noticed.

## Examples

- She tiptoes past the sleeping baby every night.
- He tiptoes down the hallway early each morning so he does not wake his roommates.
- She tiptoed across the old wooden floor, pausing with each creak to listen for any sound from the nursery upstairs.

## Synonyms

creep, sneak

## Antonyms

stomp

## Usage notes

- The verb is intransitive and takes no direct object; often followed by a direction phrase with 'into', 'past', 'across' or 'around'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.