What does stilt mean?
A stilt is principally a long pole used to walk with, as in a performer or farmer crossing uneven or wet ground. The word also names the poles that support a building or other structure above the ground or water, and it can describe the very long legs of wading birds. Less commonly, “stilt” is the name of a long-legged bird such as the black-necked stilt. The related verb means to walk on stilts or, more rarely, to support or raise something with them. The word’s basic meaning is practical, but its image of being lifted above ordinary ground gives it figurative potential for exaggeration, artificiality, or strained formality. In those contexts, speakers more often use the derivative “stilted,” especially for speech or writing that seems overly formal or affected. Overall, “stilt” is a distinctive word because it unites ideas of support, elevation, balance, and exaggerated length.
A long pole used for walking, especially in a pair. It may also mean a support pole that raises a structure above the ground, a long leg of a wading bird, or a long-legged wading bird itself.
"The festival performers balanced on tall stilts above the crowd."
The plural “stilts” is usual when referring to walking poles or a pair used for support.
To walk on stilts; more rarely, to support or raise something using stilts.
"The performer stilted across the stage while balancing a pole."
This verb is uncommon in ordinary speech and is mainly used in descriptions of performance, sport, or practical activity.
The plural is the normal form when referring to walking poles or multiple supports, as in “on stilts.”
"A pair of wooden stilts enabled him to cross the flooded field."
A stilt can be a walking pole, a bird's spectacularly long leg, or the raised support that keeps a building above the ground—one little word, several ways to stand tall.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does stilt come from?
The word comes through Middle English from Old English stylte, an old form associated with poles used for walking or support. Its further history is generally traced to a Proto-Germanic form, with related words appearing in Dutch, German, Icelandic, and other Germanic languages. The sense for walking poles is therefore older than many modern figurative uses, while the bird sense developed from the striking appearance of the birds’ long legs.
Related word forms
How stilt is actually used
The noun is neutral in everyday use, especially in the phrases “on stilts” and “stilt walking.” The verb is comparatively uncommon and usually means to walk on stilts. In figurative contexts, the idea of standing or speaking on stilts can suggest elevation, artificiality, or strain, though “stilted” is the more usual adjective for that sense.
Easily confused with stilt
A stilt is a long pole used for walking or support, whereas a stile is a structure with steps or gaps that allows people to cross a fence.