tiptoe

Etymology

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

noun

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

adj

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.
   with tiptoe step 1782, William Cowper, Expostulation
   And stole along on tiptoe tread 1819, Lord Byron, The Prophecy of Dante

verb

1. To walk quietly with only the tips of the toes touching the ground.
   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. 1913, Joseph C. Lincoln, chapter 13, in Mr. Pratt's Patients
   Tiptoe through the window / By the window, that is where I'll be / Come tiptoe through the tulips with me / Tiptoe from your pillow / To the shadow of the willow tree / And tiptoe through the tulips with me. 1929, “Tiptoe Through the Tulips”, Al Dubin (lyrics), Joe Burke (music), performed by Nick Lucas