Tootle
Noun
- A leisurely journey.
- An act or sound of casual playing on an instrument such as a horn or trumpet.
Verb
- Go or travel in a leisurely way.
- Casually make a series of sounds on a horn, trumpet, or similar instrument.
Example Sentences
“For our honeymoon, we plan to tootle along the California coast and stop at wineries and B&Bs whenever we feel like it.”
“Instead of having a strict itinerary when they travel, they prefer a tootle around the countryside.”
“I’m not a skilled trumpet player, but I enjoy tootling on the horn with my friends.”
Word Origin
German, early 19th century
Why this word?
“Tootle” can function as both a noun and a verb, and in each form can refer to a meandering type of travel, or a bleating sort of horn playing. The musical form of “tootle” is an onomatopoeia, or a word that is evocative of the sound it makes. As a mode of travel, the word seems apropos for a carefree, leisurely expedition — who wouldn’t want to take a week off of their responsibilities and tootle around?