What does tottery mean?
A tottery is a person or thing that is unsteady or unstable, often due to a lack of balance or support. The word can be used to describe physical objects, such as a tottery old building, or to describe situations or people that are emotionally unstable. In either case, the word implies a lack of stability or balance. The word 'tottery' is often used in British English, but it is also used in American English. It is a useful word to describe situations or people that are precarious or fragile.
nounA tottery is a person or thing that is unsteady or unstable, often due to a lack of balance or support.
- A person or thing that is unsteady or unstable.
"The tottery old building was in danger of collapsing."
"The tottery old man struggled to walk without falling."
"The tottery bridge was closed due to safety concerns."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of tottery
The word 'tottery' is derived from the verb 'totter', which means to walk unsteadily or to be unstable. The verb 'totter' is thought to have originated in the 14th century, and it is related to the Old English word 'totian', which means to stumble or to fall.
Usage notes
The word 'tottery' is often used to describe something that is physically unstable, but it can also be used figuratively to describe a situation or person that is emotionally unstable.